Apple Intelligence features not properly downloading on macOS

Question

Apple Intelligence features not properly downloading on macOS

I have a MacBook Air (M3 2024) on macOS Tahoe 26.5.1. I am using a fresh install (using recovery mode) and still cannot get Apple Intelligence features to work (Genmoji and Image Playground).

In iMessage>+>Genmoji, it quickly flashes the Genmoji UI then swaps to the “Downloading support for Genmoji… Once downloaded, Mac will be able to use Genmoji”

Similarly, trying to use image playground it says “Downloading support for image playground…”

Upon first restoring the computer, I was able to watch the download % reach 100% for the Apple Intelligence features under settings. I have performed numerous reboots, safe mode, changing language/region settings, turning off/on Apple Intelligence, but nothing seems to work. As an additional note, the computer was left to sit overnight and it still is not working.

Originally, Genmoji worked at some point before this, but after turning off Apple Intelligence it completely stopped. This prompted a refresh of the OS, but still nothing has helped.

Is this just a bug with 26.5.1?

MacBook Air 13″

Posted on Jun 9, 2026 10:07 AM

Reply

Answer 1

TowJam60

Level 1

90 points

Jun 9, 2026 7:00 PM in response to Prisonedalien

Same problem. I'm running MacOS 26.5.1 on a Mac Mini M4P, 64gb.

Apple Intelligence is enabled and 100% downloaded. However, Image Playground is stuck on the "Downloading Support...." screen. When I look at network stats in Activity Monitor, there's no up/down network traffic for Image Playground. I've tried restarting my system (several times), enabling/disabling Apple Intelligence, etc. but so far nothing. I'm also seeing the exact same issue with my M2 iPad Pro.

This is the first time I've tried using it so I can't say that it's ever worked in the past.

Reply

Answer 2

Jun 9, 2026 5:59 PM in response to Prisonedalien

I’m having the same issue. I wonder if it’s some issue with the mac/ios/ipados 27 betas being released. It’s not working on my macbook air, iphone, or ipad air.

Reply