Apple announces iPhone 15 Pro requirement for Apple Intelligence. Apple is working to overcome its lag in integrating AI and machine learning into its devices to improve user experiences. The latest breakthrough is Apple Intelligence, available with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, which leverages on-device generative big language models for a more personalized user experience.
Once more, there are some problems because these AI features aren’t compatible with all Apple devices. Apple Intelligence specifically requires Macs and iPads with M1 CPUs or higher, as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. This limitation has led to questions from users about why the latest hardware is required for these features. Apple’s head of AI/machine learning John Giannandrea, chief marketing officer Greg Joswiak, and chief software engineering officer Craig Federighi discussed this topic on the WWDC 2024 Live Talk Show with John Gruber.
Computational demands of Apple Intelligence
Their discussion revealed the complexity of running large-language models on mobile devices. This process, called inference, is computationally intensive and requires critical bandwidth, a capable neural engine, and processing power. Bringing these tools to older devices is said to slow them down too much to run. This is the company’s excuse for why Apple Intelligence is limited to the latest hardware. Apple Intelligence is supposed to be a major advance in integrating AI into the Apple ecosystem. The core process of inference involves the execution of complex algorithms in real-time and requires high computational resources.
John Giannandrea explained that inference requires substantial bandwidth within the device, a large and capable neural engine, and significant processing power to perform tasks quickly and effectively. The A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro models, with its 16-core Neural Engine capable of nearly 35 trillion operations per second, exemplifies the level of hardware needed for these demands.
RAM is also essential for these AI models to operate well, Craig Federighi continued. Devices compatible with Apple Intelligence have at least 8 GB of RAM, which is required for comprehensive data processing. This combination of advanced neural engine capabilities, processing power, and sufficient RAM ensures that Apple Intelligence runs smoothly and responsively.
The need for advanced hardware
Limiting Apple Intelligence to the latest iPhone 15 Pro models and M1-equipped Macs and iPads is based on the need for advanced hardware capabilities. While some users might view this as a strategy to drive sales of new devices, Apple’s executives clarified that the requirement is purely technical. The goal is to ensure AI features work effectively and provide real value to users.
During the WWDC 2024 discussion, Greg Joswiak addressed concerns that the hardware requirements are a sales tactic, noting that if the goal was to drive sales, Apple would have expanded the requirement to include the latest iPads and Macs. Instead, the focus is on delivering a high-performance AI experience that requires the latest technological advances.
Craig Federighi also highlighted Apple’s approach to feature compatibility, noting the company always strives to bring new features to older devices whenever possible. However, the sophisticated nature of Apple Intelligence means older hardware cannot support the required computational demands.
Compatibility and future updates
Despite the hardware cutoff for Apple Intelligence, Apple ensures users of older devices will still benefit from upcoming software updates. iOS 18, set to be released in the fall, includes several new features beyond Apple Intelligence, making it a valuable upgrade for all compatible devices. Every iPhone that runs iOS 17, including the iPhone XR from 2018, will be able to upgrade to iOS 18.
For users eager to experience Apple Intelligence but not ready to invest in an iPhone 15 Pro, the upcoming iPhone 16 series may offer a solution. Expected to launch alongside iOS 18, the iPhone 16 series will likely include models compatible with Apple Intelligence, providing more options for users to benefit from Apple’s latest AI advancements.
The need for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max to support Apple Intelligence is driven by the technical requirements of running advanced AI models on mobile devices. Only the most recent hardware can meet the processing expenses, bandwidth requirements, and sophisticated neural engine capabilities needed for these functionalities.
Featured image credit: Apple
