Want to enjoy all the Apple Intelligence features of iOS 18.1? Here’s the good news and the bad news.
After two years of silence regarding its AI developments, Apple finally revealed its latest projects at the annual WWDC in June. The event showcased various features that will significantly enhance your device experience—but only if you own one of the newest iPhone models.
The new features will require iOS 18, set to launch in September. To experience Apple Intelligence when it’s released, consider upgrading to one of the models listed below soon. You can also start testing some AI features through Apple’s iOS 18.1 developer beta, available on select devices starting today.
What new AI features are included in iOS 18?
iOS 18 likely won’t launch with Apple Intelligence, but later versions should include many new AI features, such as:
- Improved Siri
- Summarization tools for email, Keynotes, third-party apps, and more
- Writing tools (rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text)
- Apple Image Playground
- Genmoji
- Priority notifications
- AI-generated photo memory movies
- Video search
- AI-powered photo editing
- Image Wand in the Notes app
Additionally, iOS 18 will feature an improved Control Center, new privacy options like locking or hiding apps, message scheduling, new Messages via Satellite, and the ability to exchange Apple Cash by tapping phones together.
Which iPhone models support these new AI features?
You’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro (or a newer model coming out this year) to use these features.
Requiring the latest hardware might seem like planned obsolescence or a money grab, and it’s likely both. However, Apple says this requirement is due to the advanced processing hardware needed to support its new AI features, especially for tasks requiring on-device processing.
Processing AI tasks on-device provides two main advantages: enhanced security and reduced latency. Apple asserts that not all iPhones, particularly older models, have the necessary processing power for these tasks. The new AI features will use a combination of cloud-based and on-device processing, depending on the complexity of the task.
Apple specifies that these tasks require the A17 Pro SoC, which is currently available only in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will not support the AI upgrades, as they are equipped with Apple’s A16 Bionic SoC.
If you don’t have the iPhone 15 Pro and aren’t planning to upgrade soon, you might still be able to access some Apple Intelligence features that operate in the cloud. However, for the full experience, you might want to consider preparing to buy a new iPhone.
Which Mac and iPad models are compatible with Apple Intelligence?
The good news is that you don’t need the latest model if you’re using a Mac or iPad. To access AI features, your device must have at least an M1 chip. Since Apple is currently producing M4-chip iPads and M3-chip Macs, many users with slightly older devices should still be able to use these features.