Apple’s first big step into AI
When it comes to technology, AI has been the word on everyone’s lips in 2024. Almost every new hardware launch or software update has included it in some shape or form.
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 models of iPhone or iPad, for example.
It won’t stay that way for long, though. At WWDC 2024, Apple officially announced its arrival into the world of AI, albeit with a name of its own.
But what does Apple Intelligence actually entail, and will the devices you currently own be compatible?
What is Apple Intelligence?
‘Apple Intelligence’ is the general term Apple is using for its suite of AI features, which will be rolled out across iOS, iPadOS and macOS (but not watchOS).
Dozens of different features will be available, loosely grouped into categories such as writing tools, image creation and photos and videos.
Examples include creating images and ‘Genmojis’ (personalised emojis based on specific prompts), removing background objects from photos or rewriting an email as a poem (or something more useful).
Apple
There’s also an upgraded version of Siri which 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 it was expected “this fall” but in a limited release.
But finally, as of 28 October 2024, the first Apple Intelligence features officially dropped with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 on compatible devices (see below) in the US.
Apple says “more features [will be] launching in the coming months.”
Apple also says it will “quickly expand to include localised English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. in December.”
Additional support — such as Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish — will be coming in 2025.
Will my iPhone or iPad get Apple Intelligence?
Apple has strict hardware requirements that mean only recent devices will get access to Apple Intelligence.
Other than the iPhone 16 range which is ‘built from the ground up for Apple Intelligence’, only the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will be compatible. Of course, at least some of the upcoming iPhone 16 range are certain to get the features.
Chris Martin / Foundry
When it comes to the iPad, Apple Intelligence will be available on all iPad Air and iPad Pro models running the M1, M2 or M4 chips – that includes the 2024 iPad Air and iPad Pro. That means the latest regular iPad and iPad mini won’t get it.
The same applies to the Mac, with any Mac mini, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Studio or Mac Pro that runs on Apple Silicon (rather than the Intel chips used previously) will be compatible.
However, even if your device isn’t compatible, lots more devices will be getting the regular versions of iOS 18 or iPadOS 18.
