Once the public started getting its hands on the new iPhone 17 lineup, a strange Apple Intelligence glitch prevented some owners from accessing the company’s take on AI. The problem wasn’t notably widespread but it did appear to affect the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The glitch either prevented users from downloading Apple Intelligence or unlocking the software once downloaded. According to people who reportedly spoke with Apple tech support, the company was aware of the problem. And while some workarounds have been suggested online, it looks like they’ll no longer be necessary.
Aaron Perris, a contributor to MacRumors, is saying the issue appears to have been fixed, possibly by a server-side fix from Apple.
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Apple has just rolled out a server-sided fix for iPhone 17 models that couldn’t download Apple Intelligence models. pic.twitter.com/QlpdhBmN0lOctober 7, 2025
If you bought an iPhone 17 and couldn’t access Apple Intelligence, you should be able to now. You can check if Apple Intelligence is available by going to Settings > Apple Intelligence.
Of course, if you never wanted AI in the first place, you can use that setting to turn it off.
Tom’s Guide initially reached out to Apple about the problem and we never received a response. Additionally, the company never made a public comment on the problem, so we don’t know what may have caused it.
(Image credit: Tom’s Guide / John Velasco)
While it’s nice to see that one launch issue has been fixed, it’s not been a smooth landing for the iPhone 17 family.
The new models weren’t in the hands of reviewers long before “scratchgate” arrived, where certain darker variants of the iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone Air were found to pick up scuffs quite easily.
Apple blamed worn-out MagSafe risers transferring material to the phones and claims it’s easily removed with cleaning. My colleague John Velasco reported he already had several marks on his Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro in just over a week of ownership.
So if you’re concerned about your own device, picking up one of the best iPhone 17 Pro cases, iPhone 17 Pro Max cases, or iPhone Air cases could be a good move while the Prime Day promotion is still ongoing.
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A stranger case we just saw involves the Cosmic Orange finish seemingly changing colors. It’s not clear how widespread this is, but we’re keeping an eye on it.
On a more practical note, some users have also reported the new iPhones dropping calls. Some users have reported that cellular connectivity is switching randomly or causing calls to stop.
Lastly, the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro may have a “rare” camera glitch that inserts random black boxes and white squiggles into photos. This is being blamed on an LED light display shining directly on the camera.
Apple has said it has identified a fix and will provide it in a forthcoming software update. Both of the last two issues could potentially be solved through a software update after all, but it’s hardly the flawless arrival Apple will have wanted for its flagship product.
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