When it comes to technology, AI has been on everyone’s lips in 2024. Almost every new hardware launch or software update has included it in one form or another.
However, as is often the case with new technologies, Apple has been slow to adopt artificial intelligence. You won’t find any AI on the latest iPhone or iPad models for example.
But it won’t stay that way for long. At WWDC 2024, Apple officially announced its arrival in the world of AI, but with its own name. But what does Apple Intelligence actually involve 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 be rolling out to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS (but not watchOS).
Dozens of different features will be available, loosely grouped into categories like writing tools, image creation, and photos and videos.
Examples include creating images and “Genmojis” (custom emojis based on specific prompts), removing background objects from photos, or rewriting an email as a poem (or something more useful).
There is also an improved version of Siri that directly integrates chatbot and virtual assistant ChatGPT, thanks to a deal with creators OpenAI.
When will Apple Intelligence be available?
Apple remains vague regarding the availability of Apple Intelligence. The company says it will be available in beta on iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, all of which are expected “this fall.”
However, it will initially only be in US English, with “some additional features, software platforms and languages” rolling out “over the next year.”
Will my iPhone or iPad benefit from Apple Intelligence?
Apple has strict hardware requirements that mean only recent devices will have access to Apple Intelligence.
Regarding existing iPhones, only the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will be compatible. Of course, at least some of the upcoming iPhone 16s will definitely benefit from these features.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
Chris Martin / Foundry
As for 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. This means that the latest regular iPad and iPad mini won’t get it.
The same goes for the Mac, with any Mac mini, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Studio or Mac Pro running on Apple Silicon (rather than the previously used Intel chips) will be compatible.
However, even if your device isn’t compatible, many other devices will receive standard versions of iOS 18 or iPadOS 18.
