Apple's WWDC 2023 brought exciting news for tech enthusiasts: the introduction of Apple Intelligence, a groundbreaking AI system. However, if you're eager to try out these new features, you'll need the latest devices.
Apple Intelligence features will be exclusively available on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, equipped with the A17 Pro chip. These models are the only iPhones currently confirmed to support these advanced AI capabilities, suggesting that future models like the anticipated iPhone 16 Pro might also include these features. This exclusivity highlights Apple’s strategy to incentivize users to upgrade to their latest hardware to access the most advanced functionalities.
Compatibility Across iPads and Macs
The AI features are not confined to iPhones. Apple Intelligence will also be accessible on several iPad and Mac models, specifically those with an M1 chip or newer. The list of compatible devices includes:
- iPad Pro and iPad Air (M1 and newer)
- MacBook Pro (M1 and newer)
- MacBook Air (M1 and newer)
- iMac (M1 and newer)
- Mac mini (M1 and newer)
- Mac Pro (M2 Ultra and newer)
- Mac Studio (M1 Max and newer)
Apple plans to offer AI features through cloud processing for those with older devices. However, this method will limit the on-device functionality compared to what’s available on newer chipsets, reinforcing the superior performance of the latest models.
Benefits and Features of Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is a sophisticated personal intelligence system designed to enhance user experience across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, it combines generative models with personal context to offer highly tailored and efficient intelligence. This system can understand and generate both language and images, perform actions across various apps, and use personal context to streamline daily tasks. Examples include suggesting replies in messages, organizing photos, and assisting in drafting documents based on user habits and preferences.
One of the standout features of Apple Intelligence is Private Cloud Compute. This technology balances on-device processing and powerful server-based models, running on dedicated Apple Silicon servers. This approach allows Apple to maintain robust performance while upholding its strict privacy standards. By splitting computational tasks between the device and the server, Apple ensures user privacy is never compromised, even when leveraging extensive server-based computations.
To fully experience the capabilities of Apple Intelligence, users will need to upgrade to the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max. While some AI features will be available on older devices through cloud processing, the most advanced capabilities will be reserved for those with the latest hardware. This move by Apple emphasises its commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology while maintaining its renowned privacy standards.