Apple's Intelligence: 6 Underrated Features I Use Every Day, Even With Google Gemini

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 24, 2025

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Apple's Intelligence: 6 Underrated Features I Use Every Day, Even with Google Gemini

Apple's ecosystem isn't just about sleek design and user-friendly interfaces; it boasts a wealth of intelligent features often overlooked amidst the hype surrounding new product releases. While Google Gemini and other AI assistants are making waves, Apple's built-in intelligence continues to impress, offering seamless integration and surprising utility in everyday tasks. This article highlights six underrated Apple features I use daily, even with access to the powerful Google Gemini.

1. The Power of Quick Actions in Spotlight Search:

Forget endless scrolling! Spotlight Search (activated by pressing Command + Space) is more than just a file finder. It's a powerful, intelligent assistant. Need to quickly convert currency? Calculate a tip? Find a specific email? Spotlight handles these tasks instantly. Simply type your query directly into Spotlight – "convert 100 USD to EUR," "calculate 20% tip on $50," or "email from John Doe" – and watch it work its magic. This surpasses basic search functionality, saving precious time and streamlining your workflow. It's significantly faster than launching a separate app or navigating complex menus, even with Gemini's capabilities.

2. Smart Suggestions in Mail:

Apple Mail's intelligent suggestions are a game-changer. It anticipates your next action, suggesting recipients, subjects, and even relevant files as you compose emails. This feature is remarkably accurate and speeds up email composition considerably, especially for those who send numerous emails daily. This proactive assistance goes beyond basic autocorrect, actively predicting your needs and enhancing productivity.

3. Intelligent Reminders with Location and Context:

Apple's Reminders app isn't just a simple to-do list; it’s a context-aware scheduling powerhouse. Set reminders based on location ("Pick up dry cleaning when I leave work") or even link them to specific apps ("Remind me to reply to that email after my Zoom call"). This contextual intelligence surpasses many standalone reminder apps and integrates seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem.

4. On-Device Siri Shortcuts: Privacy-Focused Automation:

While Siri might seem ubiquitous, its ability to create custom shortcuts directly on your device is often underestimated. This allows you to automate complex tasks without relying on cloud processing, enhancing privacy and speed. For instance, create a shortcut to send a pre-written message to your family when you're running late, all controlled locally. This enhances privacy compared to cloud-based automation services.

5. Predictive Typing and Text Replacement:

Apple's predictive typing in Messages and other text fields intelligently suggests words and phrases as you type. Coupled with its robust text replacement feature (allowing you to create shortcuts for frequently used phrases or sentences), this feature dramatically accelerates texting and document creation. It’s a subtle but consistently impactful feature that boosts efficiency.

6. Smart Stack Widgets on iOS and iPadOS:

The Smart Stack widget intelligently rotates through different widgets based on your usage and time of day. This dynamic approach to information display means you see the most relevant information at the right moment. It’s a small touch but significantly enhances the utility of your home screen.

Conclusion:

While powerful AI assistants like Google Gemini offer extensive capabilities, Apple's built-in intelligence offers a seamless and often faster alternative for many everyday tasks. These six underrated features demonstrate Apple's commitment to providing intuitive and intelligent tools that improve our daily productivity and streamline workflows. Embrace these features and experience the power of Apple's integrated intelligence – you might be surprised at how much time and effort they save. What are your favorite underrated Apple features? Share them in the comments below!