October 2, 2025, 5:36 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Apple Intelligence was supposed to run particularly well on the new iPhone 17 and iPhone Air models–but this feature is currently causing frustration. Users report that the AI suddenly fails and is difficult or impossible to reactivate.
The issue mainly affects owners of the iPhone 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. Initially, the AI worked as intended, but then it needed to be reactivated. This requires support files that are about 7 to 10 gigabytes in size. However, many downloads are interrupted, preventing the process from being completed. A user reported in the Apple support forum that the installation stopped at 6.59 gigabytes–even after restarting and resetting network settings.
Downloads Get Stuck
For Apple Intelligence to work again, the large data package download must be successfully completed–a problem for many users. Because the files are so large, the likelihood of the process being interrupted is high. Without completion, the AI cannot be used, which is particularly frustrating since it was advertised as a core feature of the iPhone 17.
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Apple Suggests Possible Workarounds
Apple has confirmed the problem and is seeking a permanent solution. “MacRumors” points to possible workarounds: Affected users can try disabling the cellular connection while the iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi. Turning airplane mode on and off or changing the language settings might also help.
Those who take more drastic steps, such as resetting network settings or even a complete reset, must be prepared for data loss.
Update Expected to Fix the Issue
A final solution could come with iOS 26.1, expected in October 2025. Until then, Apple Intelligence remains an unreliable feature for many iPhone 17 owners–especially on a device whose biggest innovation is based on this technology.