AN ENORMOUS artificial intelligence update is coming to millions of Apple devices – but does yours make the cut?
The Apple Intelligence upgrade brings dozens of new features to the , iPad, and Mac.
But it requires powerful on-device processing that many of Apple's older gadgets simply can't serve up.
Apple Intelligence was revealed as part of the company's WWDC 2024 event on Monday, alongside general software updates like iOS 18 for iPhone, iPadOS 18 for iPad, and macOS Sequoia for Mac.
The upgrade makes huge improvements to how natural and effective Siri is to use, a built-in option to ask for information from ChatGPT, and fun bonus features like generating custom emoji or searching for specific moments inside videos you've shot.
WHY ISN'T EVERYONE GETTING IT?
The problem is that Apple Intelligence is very powerful – and extremely demanding.
Some of your queries will be handled by Apple servers securely via its Private Cloud Compute system.
But a lot of what's happening in terms of processing the features you're using will take place on your device – putting major strain on the chips.
This means that not all Apple devices will get the Apple Intelligence update.
“The core models require a huge amount of compute,” said Apple’s John Giannandrea at a discussion attended by The Sun.
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“It’s the amount of compute that they require that provides that limitation.”
APPLE INTELLIGENCE UPDATES – DEVICES GETTING IT
The update is coming in beta in the fall as part of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.
There's no word on exactly iOS 18 will come out, but The Sun's official prediction is Monday, September 16.
Here are the devices that will support Apple Intelligence:
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPad (with M1 chip or later)
- Mac (with M1 chip or later)
THE OFFICIAL WORD FROM TIM COOK
Here's what Apple CEO Tim Cook had to say about Apple Intelligence...
“We’re thrilled to introduce a new chapter in Apple innovation," Tim explained.
"Apple Intelligence will transform what users can do with our products — and what our products can do for our users.
"Our unique approach combines generative AI with a user’s personal context to deliver truly helpful intelligence.
"And it can access that information in a completely private and secure way to help users do the things that matter most to them.
"This is AI as only Apple can deliver it, and we can’t wait for users to experience what it can do."
You'll also need to make sure that your Siri and device languages are set to U.S. English.
It's also safe to assume that at least some of Apple's next round of iPhone models will support Apple Intelligence.
But it's unclear whether it will be restricted to iPhone 16 Pro models (if they're even planned), or if regular iPhone 16 devices will also get it.
We won't find out about the next iPhone models until Apple's usual September event.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The Sun previously predicted that this would take place on Tuesday, September 10, with an iPhone release date of Friday, September 20.
However, Apple hasn't confirmed any of this – so don't mark your calendars just yet.