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Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.2: What to Expect and Why You May Not See It

One of the most striking updates in iOS 18.2 is the revamped Siri interface, now adorned with a vibrant, pulsating rainbow that frames the entire screen. However, if you’ve updated your iPhone and still see the familiar animated sphere at the bottom, there’s a reason for that: your device might not be eligible for Apple Intelligence, the cornerstone of this update.

Apple Intelligence relies heavily on on-device AI computation, limiting its availability to the latest hardware. Eligible devices include:

  • iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
  • iPhone 16 lineup (all models)

Additionally, it extends to Macs and iPads with M-series processors and the newest iPad Mini powered by the A17 Pro chip. If you’re using one of these models, Siri’s shimmering visual transformation should appear when activated. For Mac users, this effect is confined to the Siri search field.

Unfortunately, users with earlier devices will continue to see the traditional Siri orb. Along with Siri’s redesign, Apple Intelligence introduces new features like advanced writing tools, streamlined notification summaries, and the Clean Up option in Photos, but these are exclusive to supported models.

If your device isn’t eligible, it might be time to consider an upgrade to experience the full suite of Apple’s latest innovations.