Will the iPhone 15 Get Apple Intelligence?
- Apple’s big AI reveal is here, but don’t expect perfection just yet.
- Some iPhone 15 models will indeed get first taste of Apple Intelligence soon.
- Wondering if your iPhone makes the cut for Apple’s new AI?
- Read on to find out which devices get Apple Intelligence and when.
Apple recently revealed its latest advancement in artificial intelligence—Apple Intelligence—at its annual iPhone event in Cupertino on September 9, 2024. But, a lingering question remains for many Apple users: Will the iPhone 15 get Apple Intelligence?
Photo via AppleInsider // The Apple Intelligence waitlist.Which Devices Will Support Apple Intelligence?
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will indeed support Apple Intelligence thanks to their A17 Pro processor. However, iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will not support Apple Intelligence, Apple has claimed. And if you're holding onto older models like the iPhone 14 or anything before, you're out of luck.
According to Apple, Apple Intelligence will also be compatible with:
- Devices with M1 processors or newer.
- Certain MacBook models.
- iPads with powerful processors.
Unfortunately, the full rollout of Apple Intelligence will not be immediate. Users will have access to a beta version this October, which, while functional, will likely have many of the glitches that plague early software releases.
What is Apple Intelligence?
Photo via TechCrunch // Apple Intelligence Beta in action, on an iPhone 15 Pro.Apple Intelligence is Apple's new AI framework designed to integrate deeply with iPhones, iPads, and Macs, making everyday tasks easier, more intuitive, and, perhaps most importantly, more private. Unlike its competitors, Apple aims to keep its AI non-threatening and user-friendly. As Apple's Senior VP Craig Federighi stated, "This is AI for the rest of us." But here's the catch: It’s not entirely ready yet, and most of the features will only be available in beta form come October.
Key Features of Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is based on four primary “pillars,” as Apple calls them:
- Language – Enhancing how the iPhone reads and summarizes notifications, emails, and even re-writes text in apps like Notes.
- Images – Features like Clean Up allow users to remove objects from their photos—think of it as an Apple version of Google’s Magic Eraser.
- Action – Siri will now be able to perform complex tasks, such as sending photos from specific events to specific people.
- Personal Context – Siri learns and adapts to your habits, making future interactions more efficient and context-aware.
How Useful is Apple Intelligence?
Photo via Apple Inc. // Apple Intelligence on an iPhone, iPad, and MacBook.In testing the beta version of Apple Intelligence, early adopters have found it charmingly unfinished. Some features, like the Writing Tools—which reword your emails or texts—are promising but far from groundbreaking. As one early user noted, "It’s saving me a few minutes here and there, but it’s not life-changing."
On he image-editing front, Clean Up can erase parts of a photo, though the results are sometimes questionable. "I tried removing a swan from a family photo, but the water looked doctored—far from seamless," said another tester.
It’s saving me a few minutes here and there, but it’s not life-changing.
Siri’s Long-Overdue Revamp
Perhaps the most anticipated improvement is to Siri, Apple’s long-criticised voice assistant. Siri now understands context better and can perform more advanced tasks, such as filtering through images based on a specific event or person. However, much of this functionality isn’t ready yet, and users might have to wait until the features are more robust.
Apple Intelligence and Privacy: A Delicate Balance
One of Apple’s main selling points is its commitment to privacy. Unlike Google and OpenAI, which require vast amounts of user data sent to cloud servers, Apple is taking a different route. Much of the AI processing happens on-device, with sensitive data handled by a system called Private Cloud Compute.
This approach means that while Apple is behind in some AI areas, they are arguably ahead when it comes to privacy. Yet, only time will tell if this method can keep up with more powerful, cloud-based AIs.
When Can You Get Apple Intelligence?
October marks the beginning of the public beta release for Apple Intelligence. However, if you're expecting a polished, fully-functional AI assistant, you might be disappointed. As with many new technologies, Apple is taking a cautious, incremental approach. Full integration may take months—or even years.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Apple Intelligence is a broad term that encompasses a spectrum of features that will make your iPhone feel smarter than ever before, according to Apple.Key Takeaways
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will get Apple Intelligence this October, but in beta form.
- MacBooks and iPads with M1 processors will also support the new AI.
- Key features like advanced Siri tasks, image editing, and personal context will be gradually rolled out.
- Privacy remains at the forefront of Apple’s AI strategy, differentiating it from competitors like Google and OpenAI.
Apple’s dive into AI is methodical, but as one might expect, it’s not going to be an overnight success. For those who upgrade to the latest iPhone, Apple Intelligence might offer some cool conveniences. But if you’re waiting for AI to truly change your life, well... you might want to keep waiting.
It’s not ready yet, but I’m looking forward to the future updates. It’s AI, the Apple way—slow and steady.
For more updates on Apple Intelligence and other AI news, stay tuned to our ongoing coverage.
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