iOS 18 is here, bringing new AI features to Apple’s iPhone lineup. The iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 Pro / iPhone 15 Pro Max iPhones will support all the integrated Ai functions of iOS 18 (including Apple Intelligence), but all other models will have limited to no functionality when it comes to Apple Ai. The reason for this is that the hardware required to support those functions is too advanced for the hardware in those older models.
iPhones starting from the XR and XS to the latest iPhone 13, 14, and 15 (non-pro) series will support iOS 18, but these phones are not fast enough for Apple Intelligence. These models will enjoy the full suite of features that the new iOS brings but will not be enabled for Apple Intelligence and other resource-heavy AI functions.
iOS 18 AI Features: A New Era for iPhones, But Not All Aboard
iOS 18 is set to revolutionize the iPhone experience with its much-anticipated AI features, designed to enhance everything from photo editing to language translation. However, not all iPhone models will be able to take advantage of these advancements.
Only the following iPhone models will support the full suite of iOS 18 AI features, including “Apple Intelligence”:
- iPhone 16 series: All models (iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max)
- iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
This is because these models are equipped with the A17 Pro or newer chips, which have the necessary hardware to run the advanced AI models that power these features.
Other iPhone models compatible with iOS 18, such as the iPhone 15 and older, will still receive some AI-powered enhancements, but not the full “Apple Intelligence” experience.
What About Other iPhones?
| iPhone Model | AI Support |
|---|---|
| iPhone 14 | Limited Support |
| iPhone 14 Plus | Limited Support |
| iPhone 14 Pro | Limited Support |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | Limited Support |
| iPhone 15 | Limited Support |
| iPhone 15 Plus | Limited Support |
| iPhone 15 Pro | Full Support |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Full Support |
| iPhone 16 | Full Support (built for Apple Intelligence) |
| iPhone 16 Plus | Full Support (built for Apple Intelligence) |
| iPhone 16 Pro | Full Support (built for Apple Intelligence) |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | Full Support (built for Apple Intelligence) |
Important Notes:
- Limited Support: These models might support some AI features, but they may have limitations on performance or access to certain advanced capabilities, especially with Apple Intelligence.
- Full Support: These models should be able to handle all AI features available in iOS 18, including Apple Intelligence, without major limitations.
- iPhone 16 Series: While AI support is expected to be full for the iPhone 16 series, this is based on current information and expectations. Official details will be released closer to the launch of these models.
- Apple Intelligence: This is a new, advanced AI system in iOS 18. It requires specific hardware capabilities, hence the limited support on older models.
While other iPhone models will be able to update to iOS 18 and enjoy its other features, they won’t have access to the full suite of AI capabilities. These models include:
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- Older models
The Future of iPhone AI
As Apple continues to develop its AI technology, it’s likely that future iPhone models will also be equipped with the A17 Pro chip or its successors. This means that even more users will be able to experience the power of AI on their iPhones. For now, however, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the only models that can fully embrace the AI revolution.
Key Takeaways
- iOS 18 brings new AI features to iPhones
- iPhones from XR and XS onwards support these features
- Older models like the iPhone 8 won’t be compatible
Compatibility and Support for iOS 18 AI Features
The new iOS 18 update from Apple is packed with AI features. These features are only available on recent iPhone models due to hardware requirements.
Supported iPhone Models
Most new iPhone models will support iOS 18’s AI features. The list includes:
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
Older models like iPhone 13, iPhone 12, and iPhone 11 will get the update. But they might not support all AI features due to hardware limits. iPhone SE (2nd generation and later) will also get the update, though with limited features.
Key AI Features in iOS 18
iOS 18 includes several new AI features. Apple Intelligence integrates AI into the Notes App and Mail to sort and summarize content. Siri receives updates for better on-device processing, reducing latency.
Photos App now features generative AI capabilities, enabling automatic photo enhancements. Messages via Satellite lets users send texts in remote areas. Widgets on the Home Screen use AI to show relevant information.
AI now assists with Apple Pay and Apple Cash transactions, adding more security. Siri will now offer vocal shortcuts, and Apple Music gains smart playlist generation. Privacy is enhanced with on-device processing, keeping data secure.
