Apple has officially launched Apple Intelligence, its comprehensive suite of AI features, with the iOS 18.1 software update rolling out on Monday. This marks a significant milestone in Apple’s AI strategy, integrating artificial intelligence throughout its ecosystem with features including AI writing tools, summaries and smart replies, an enhanced photos app, and a substantially improved Siri assistant.
However, not all Apple users will be able to access these cutting-edge features. The availability of Apple Intelligence is strictly limited to newer, more powerful devices that can handle the computational demands of on-device AI processing.
iPhone Compatibility: Apple Intelligence is available in beta on all iPhone 16 models (iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max), as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Users with these devices who upgrade to iOS 18.1 can join a waitlist through the settings app to activate AI features. Unfortunately, owners of the iPhone 15 Plus, standard iPhone 15, or any earlier iPhone models cannot access Apple Intelligence features at all.
iPad Requirements: For iPad users, access requires devices equipped with M-series chips or the A17 Pro chip. This includes the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and the latest iPad Mini. Standard iPad models and older generations (before fifth-generation iPad Pro or iPad Air) do not support the new AI capabilities. Any iPad Mini model without the A17 Pro chip is also excluded.
Mac Compatibility: Mac users have broader access, with any Mac featuring an M1 chip or later able to run Apple Intelligence through the macOS Sequoia 15.1 update. This encompasses various MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, as well as desktop versions including iMac and Mac Mini. Apple’s professional display computers, including Mac Studio (M1 Max or later) and Mac Pro (M2 Ultra chip), also support the new features.
The AI features are currently available in US English starting Monday, with Apple Intelligence officially supported on iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. This phased rollout represents Apple’s entry into the competitive AI assistant market.
Key Quotes
Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of AI features, began rolling out on Monday with the iOS 18.1 software update.
This marks the official launch date of Apple’s long-awaited AI platform, representing the company’s major entry into the consumer AI market and competing directly with offerings from Google, Microsoft, and other tech giants.
With the upgrade, artificial intelligence will be integrated throughout devices, with features such as AI writing tools, summaries and smart replies, an updated photos app, and a smarter Siri.
This statement outlines the comprehensive scope of Apple Intelligence, showing that Apple is taking a system-wide approach to AI integration rather than offering isolated features, fundamentally transforming how users interact with their devices.
Our Take
Apple’s hardware-gated approach to AI reveals a strategic calculation: prioritizing performance and user experience over broad accessibility. By limiting Apple Intelligence to devices with advanced chips (A17 Pro, M-series), Apple ensures AI features run smoothly without cloud dependency, protecting user privacy while maintaining performance standards. However, this creates a two-tier ecosystem where premium device owners access cutting-edge AI while others are left behind. This strategy could accelerate the “AI device divide,” where access to intelligent features becomes a luxury rather than a standard. The move also positions Apple uniquely in the AI race—while competitors rush to deploy cloud-based AI broadly, Apple bets on quality over quantity, banking that superior on-device AI will justify premium pricing and drive upgrades among its massive user base.
Why This Matters
Apple’s launch of Apple Intelligence represents a pivotal moment in consumer AI adoption, as one of the world’s largest tech companies brings advanced AI capabilities to millions of devices. However, the strict hardware requirements reveal an important trend: sophisticated AI features demand significant computational power, potentially creating a digital divide between users with newer versus older devices.
This launch has major implications for the smartphone upgrade cycle, as AI capabilities become a key differentiator driving consumers toward premium devices. The limitation to Pro models and latest-generation chips suggests Apple is positioning AI as a premium feature, potentially accelerating device replacement cycles and boosting revenue.
For the broader AI industry, Apple’s integration of on-device AI processing sets a new standard for privacy-focused artificial intelligence, contrasting with cloud-based approaches from competitors. This could influence how other tech giants develop and deploy AI features, emphasizing local processing over cloud dependency. The move also signals that AI is transitioning from experimental technology to a core feature of consumer electronics, fundamentally changing user expectations for their devices.
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Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-devices-supporting-apple-intelligence-ai-2024-10