Apple Intelligence: Which iPhones are getting Apple's latest AI features, iOS 18 updates

Today, Apple is set to unveil the highly anticipated iOS 18 update at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). This update is touted to be the most significant since the original iOS, thanks to a plethora of new features.

However, not all iPhones will benefit equally from iOS 18’s new AI features. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, only the iPhone 15 Pro models and newer will fully leverage the update’s capabilities, leaving older models somewhat “locked out.”

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are expected to gain the most from iOS 18, largely due to the advanced A17 Pro chipset. This new hardware enables the latest AI-driven features, which might be inaccessible to older devices.

More from Tech

How ChatGPT is becoming everyone’s BFF and why that’s dangerous America ready for self-driving cars, but it has a legal problem

While iOS 18 will still bring improvements to the entire iPhone lineup, the full suite of features will only be available on the latest Pro models. This exclusive access could incentivize users of older iPhones to upgrade to the forthcoming iPhone 16, potentially boosting sales.

The iOS 18 update introduces a variety of groundbreaking features under the umbrella of “Apple Intelligence.” This marks one of the most significant software advancements in recent years.

Siri will receive substantial upgrades powered by large language models (LLMs), similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. These enhancements aim to make Siri more conversational and capable of performing a broader range of tasks. Users can expect Siri to interact more seamlessly with specific app functions, such as opening documents, moving files, deleting emails, editing photos, and summarizing messages and notifications.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

America ready for self-driving cars, but it has a legal problem

Alibaba, Baidu begin using own AI chips as China shifts away from US tech amid Nvidia row

All new AI features will initially be available in beta for testing and will be opt-in, giving users the choice to enable them. Some features will operate directly on the device, while others will utilize Apple’s secure cloud servers for processing.

To support these new capabilities, Apple has overhauled Siri’s software. These features will be highlighted at WWDC but are not expected to launch with the initial release of iOS 18 in September. Instead, they are likely to roll out in a subsequent version of iOS 18 in 2025.

Apple’s Spotlight search is also set for an upgrade, offering more intelligent results and better sorting on iPhones and iPads. This will enhance the overall search experience, making it easier for users to find the information they need quickly and efficiently.

While iOS 18 will introduce many new features, older iPhones may not fully support all of them due to hardware limitations. This selective accessibility is likely designed to take advantage of the more advanced A17 Pro chipset in the latest Pro models. As a result, users of older iPhones might feel compelled to upgrade to newer models to enjoy the full benefits of iOS 18.

Apple’s iOS 18 is poised to be a game-changing update, with significant enhancements driven by AI and improved functionalities across the board.

However, the most advanced features will be exclusive to the latest iPhone models, potentially encouraging users to upgrade their devices. As Apple continues to push the boundaries of what its software can do, the iOS 18 update is set to mark a new era in mobile technology.