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When it comes to technology, AI will be the word on everyone’s lips in 2024. Almost every new hardware launch or software update has included it in some form or another.
But as is often the case with new technologies, Apple has been slow to adopt artificial intelligence. For example, you will not find AI on the latest iPhone or iPad models.
Although it won’t stay that way for long. At WWDC 2024, Apple officially announced its entry into the world of AI, albeit with its own name. But what does Apple Intelligence actually mean, and will the devices you currently own be compatible?
What is Apple Intelligence?
‘Apple Intelligence’ is the general term Apple uses for its suite of AI features, which will roll out on iOS, iPadOS and macOS (but not watchOS).
There will be dozens of different features available, loosely grouped into categories such as writing tools, graphics and photo creation, and videos.
Examples include creating images and ‘Genmojis’ (personalized emojis based on specific prompts), removing background objects from photos, or rewriting an email as a poem (or something more useful).
There’s also an improved version of Siri that directly integrates the ChatGPT chatbot and virtual assistant, thanks to an agreement with makers OpenAI.
When will Apple Intelligence be available?
Apple was initially vague about when Apple Intelligence would arrive, stating that it was expected “this fall” but in a limited release.
Now that the iPhone 16 event has taken place, we have more concrete details and can tell you that it will be rolled out in October.
This will be part of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 and means that the iPhone 16 series, which goes on sale on September 20, will not ship with Apple Intelligence.
Apple says “more features [will be] launching in the coming months.”
Apple also says it will launch in US English first and “rapidly expand to localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom in December.”
Additional support – such as Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish – will come in 2025.
Will my iPhone or iPad get Apple Intelligence?
Apple has strict hardware requirements, meaning only recent devices can access Apple Intelligence.
As for existing iPhones, only the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will be compatible. Of course, at least some of the upcoming iPhone 16 range will definitely get these features.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
When it comes to the iPad, Apple Intelligence will be available on all iPad Air and iPad Pro models with the M1, M2 or M4 chips – including the 2024 iPad Air and iPad Pro. That means the latest regular iPad and iPad mini won’t get it.
The same goes for the Mac: any Mac mini, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Studio or Mac Pro that runs on Apple Silicon (instead of the previously used Intel chips) will be compatible.
But even if your device isn’t compatible, many more devices will get the regular versions of iOS 18 or iPadOS 18.