Apple Intelligence Stuck on Preparing iOS 18.1? How to Fix 2025

Part 1: What is Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence, branded as “AI for the rest of us,” brings advanced AI features to iOS. It combines text and image generation to enhance Apple apps, offering Writing Tools for text summaries, proofreading, and message creation. Additionally, it introduces Genmojis and Image Playground for personalized visuals, and a deeply improved Siri for seamless cross-app assistance. See how to use apple intelligence iOS 18.1 >>

Part 2: Why Is My Apple Intelligence Stuck on Preparing?

With the iOS 18.1 update, Apple introduced Apple Intelligence features to devices like the iPhone 16 series. However, many users encounter the “Preparing” screen after updating. This delay is due to Apple’s waitlist system, which manages the rollout of Apple Intelligence to eligible iPhone models, including the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.

Here are common reasons why your apple intelligence stuck on preparing ios 18.1 :

• Apple Waitlist Process: Apple restricts immediate access by using a waitlist.
• Server-Side Delays: Activation of Apple Intelligence may be delayed if servers are overloaded.
• iOS 18.1 Compatibility: Your device may need additional setup time to fully activate new features.
• System Bugs: Minor bugs in iOS 18.1 can sometimes cause issues during setup.

Part 3: How to Fix Apple Intelligence Stuck on Preparing

Apple Intelligence stuck on preparing on iPhone iOS 18.1 or iPhone 16, here’s how to resolve it. Start with simple solutions and work your way through. But if you need an immediate fix, jump straight to Method 6 for a quick solution.

Method 1: Restart Your iPhone

Quick restart can solve minor issues like Apple Intelligence being stuck on preparing. Restarting clears temporary files and refreshes system processes, often removing the "Preparing" message and allowing Apple Intelligence to start properly.

To restart your iPhone to fix apple intelligence stuck on preparing iphone 16**:**

• Press and hold the power button until the slider appears.
• Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
• After the device turns off, press and hold the power button again until you see the Apple logo.

Method 2: Rejoin the Waitlist

If restarting didn’t help, you could try rejoining the waitlist for Apple Intelligence. This can sometimes reset the process and get things moving again.

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
• Go to General > Language & Region.
• Change the region to a different country and then back to your original region.
• Check if Apple Intelligence is still stuck on preparing.

Method 3: Free Up Storage Space

iOS 18 update is stuck on “Preparing to Update”, clearing up storage on your iPhone can help. When storage is low, it can interfere with the update process, causing delays and errors. By freeing up space, you not only resolve the update issue but also improve your iPhone's overall performance.

• Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage to check your available space.
• Delete unneeded files, apps, or large videos to free up at least 1–2GB.
• Restart your iPhone to refresh the system.
• Go back to Settings > Software Update to try installing iOS 18 again.

Method 4: Verify Wi-Fi connectivity

A stable internet connection is essential for activating Apple Intelligence on your iPhone. If your Wi-Fi connection is weak or unstable, it could cause the “Preparing” message to persist. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and make sure you’re connected to a stable network.

Method 5: Quick One-Click Fix for Apple Intelligence Stuck on Preparing

When the above methods haven't worked, consider using Tenorshare ReiBoot, a powerful iOS system repair tool. With just one click, ReiBoot can fix various iOS system issues, including the "Apple Intelligence Stuck on Preparing" error.

Tenorshare ReiBoot offers a user-friendly interface and advanced repair capabilities. It can fix a wide range of iOS problems, including boot loop, white screen of death, and more. For a fast, reliable solution, try Tenorshare ReiBoot.

Features of Tenorshare ReiBoot:

• Fix 150+ iOS system issues: Resolves problems like being stuck on the Apple logo, black screen, and more.
• Enter/Exit Recovery Mode: Easily enter or exit recovery mode without data loss.
• No data loss: Repairs your device without erasing your data.
• User-friendly interface: Simple and easy to use, even for non-technical users.
• Wide compatibility: Works with the latest iOS updates and compatible iPhone models.

How to fix apple intelligence stuck on preparing iphone 16 with Reiboot

• Launch Tenorshare ReiBoot on your computer and connect your iPhone with a lightning cable. Make sure that ReiBoot detects your device, then click “Start.”

• In ReiBoot, you’ll see two options. Select “Standard Repair” to fix your iPhone without losing any data.

• Once the firmware download is complete, click “Start Standard Repair” to begin the repair.

• The process will take a few minutes. Sit back and wait while it completes, and avoid using other programs on your computer during this time.

Method 6. Wait for More Times

If Apple Intelligence is stuck on "preparing," it's often a sign that the system needs more time to load or sync. Sometimes, the issue can resolve itself once the system completes any pending updates or processes in the background. Waiting a bit longer may allow it to complete the "preparing" stage successfully.

Related topic:

For more information, also read: how long is the waitlist for apple intelligence

The bottom Line:

Tired of the Apple Intelligence stuck on preparing issue? There are effective solutions available. Simple fixes like freeing up storage or updating iOS may help, but for a quick and reliable solution, using Tenorshare ReiBoot is highly recommended. This tool provides a one-click repair option for various iOS problems, allowing you to bypass the “Preparing” status without risking your data.