Apple adds an AI helper to Pages, Keynote and Numbers

Apple is adding an AI assistant to Pages, Keynote and Numbers, its writing, presentation and spreadsheet apps. The assistant is built on AI models from Apple and OpenAI. It is rolling out in beta, which means an early test version that may still change.

What it does

Apple says the assistant can understand the context of a document, so it can work with what you already have instead of starting from nothing. What it does depends on the app.

• Keynote: design, animate and refine slides.
• Pages: draft, restructure and tweak written content.
• Numbers: calculate, visualize and organize data, suggest chart types and build custom tables.

Where it works

The beta is coming to devices that support Apple Intelligence, Apple's own set of AI features. It runs on iOS 27, iPadOS 27 or macOS 27 or later. On macOS 27 or later, the three apps also support the Model Context Protocol. In plain terms, that lets outside AI tools plug into the apps.

Other creative app updates

The news came with changes to Apple's other creative apps.

• Pixelmator Pro adds Generate Fill, which edits part of an image from a description you type.
• Logic Pro gets a redesign and an AI assistant that Apple says can set up a vocal track from a single prompt.
• Final Cut Pro adds templates, graphics, titles and transitions through MotionVFX, plus a built-in Content Hub of stock video, photos and backgrounds.

Cost and timing

Apple says the updates to its Creator Studio will be free for existing subscribers in November. The material does not say what new customers will pay. It also does not say when the assistant will leave beta or how well it handles complex documents.

What to do

If you write reports or build pitch decks, this could save time on first drafts, slide layouts and charts. Treat its output as a draft. Read the text, check the numbers and confirm the charts match your data before anything goes to a client or your boss.