Why is apple intelligence missing on ipad Air M2?

Question

Aardvark_10 Author

Level 1

4 points

Why is apple intelligence missing on ipad Air M2?

I am in the UK. My iPad Air M2 was bought new from a UK shop.

My account region is set to United Kingdom

My language is set to English

Siri is set to English (United Kingdom)

My iOS version is 18.5

I do not have the option for apple intelligence. I tried live chat but they just linked me to a page I’d already read detailing that you need to have a compatible device and be updated. All of their replies were worded strangely and then they wanted my phone number for someone to call me. It was just starting to sound like a scam so I ended the chat.

What am I missing? From what I can tell on google it should be available.

iPad Air, iPadOS 18

Posted on Jun 27, 2025 01:23 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

KiltedTim

Level 10

220,386 points

Jun 27, 2025 04:43 PM in response to Aardvark_10

Bummer. Unfortunately there's nothing that can be done about it. Since the shop you purchased it from is not an authorized Apple retailer, and apparently misrepresents the used/gray market products they are selling, you should probably avoid doing business with them in the future.

Apple has no choice in this matter. Apple Intelligence is banned by the Chinese Communist Government and is not available on any device sold there. Your iPad was originally sold in China.

Reply

Answer 2

Phil0124

Level 10

214,291 points

Jun 27, 2025 02:19 PM in response to Aardvark_10

What is the model number in Settings ➜ General ➜ About ➜ Model Number.

What happens when you go to Settings ➜ Apple Intelligence & Siri? Does the option not appear there?

click here ➜ How to get Apple Intelligence - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 3

Phil0124

Level 10

214,291 points

Jun 27, 2025 04:00 PM in response to Aardvark_10

The model number indicates it was meant for sale in China(MUWE3CH/A), not the UK. Models meant for China are restricted from having Apple Intelligence by mandate of the Chinese government.

The shop you bought it from, was probably not an Apple Store, and obtained it from China for some reason,

At this point, it cannot get Apple Intelligence regardless of the Apple account and device regions and language.

Once it’s allowed in China and Chinese devices, it should get Apple Intelligence.

Reply

Answer 4

Aardvark_10 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 27, 2025 03:36 PM in response to Phil0124

Model number: MUWE3CH/A (A2902)

There is no Apple Intelligence & Siri option, just Siri

The page you linked to I have already seen and doesn’t appear to offer me any help. I have a compatible iPad and it’s updated. All the language and region settings match up I.e. United Kingdom and English.

Reply

Answer 5

Aardvark_10 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 27, 2025 04:26 PM in response to Phil0124

Well that seems hugely unfair. I’ve had it since last year so not like I can take it back to the shop and complain.

Reply