iOS 18.1 Update: Which iPhone Models Will Support Apple’s New AI Features?
After a long wait, Apple has finally unveiled its latest advancements in AI technology at the annual WWDC event in June. The new features promise to significantly enhance user experience, but they will only be available on the newest iPhone models.
Introduction to Apple Intelligence
At WWDC, Apple introduced a suite of AI-driven features under the banner of Apple Intelligence. These features are set to transform how users interact with their devices, provided they are running on iOS 18, which is slated for release in September. For those eager to get a head start, Apple has already begun rolling out the iOS 18.1 developer beta to select devices.
Key AI Features in iOS 18
While the full extent of Apple Intelligence may not be available at launch, subsequent updates to iOS 18 are expected to include a variety of powerful AI tools, such as:
- An improved Siri with enhanced capabilities.
- Summarization tools for emails, Keynotes, and third-party apps.
- Advanced writing tools for rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text.
- Apple Image Playground for creative image generation.
- Genmoji for creating new emojis.
- Priority notifications to help manage your time.
- AI-generated photo memory movies.
- Enhanced search functionalities within videos.
- Advanced photo editing powered by AI.
- Image Wand in the Notes app for better note-taking.
In addition to these AI features, iOS 18 will bring an improved Control Center, new privacy options like app locking and hiding, message scheduling, Messages via Satellite, and Apple Cash exchanges by tapping phones together.
Supported iPhone Models
To access these groundbreaking AI features, you’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro or a newer model expected to launch later this year. Apple has stated that these AI features require the processing power of the A17 Pro SoC, found in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, which use the A16 Bionic SoC, will not support these AI enhancements.
The Benefits of On-Device Processing
Apple emphasizes that processing AI tasks on-device provides two key benefits: enhanced security and reduced latency. This is why older iPhone models, lacking the necessary processing power, won’t be able to handle these advanced tasks. The new AI features will leverage both cloud-based and on-device processing to deliver seamless performance.
For Mac and iPad Users
Mac and iPad users won’t need the very latest models to experience Apple Intelligence. Devices equipped with at least an M1 chip will be able to run these new AI features, giving a broader range of users access to the latest innovations.
If you don’t own an iPhone 15 Pro and aren’t planning to upgrade soon, you might still experience some of Apple’s new AI features, particularly those relying on cloud processing. However, to fully utilize all the capabilities of Apple Intelligence, upgrading to a newer iPhone model will be necessary.
