According to the latest insiders, iOS 18 will introduce AI functions and will be available on all iPhones compatible with iOS 17. However, Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman notes that Apple’s local neural networks will be very demanding on hardware. Consequently, only the owners of the most powerful models will be able to take full advantage of all the new features.
Apple plans to divide AI services on the iPhone into two types: basic local and advanced cloud-based services. The basic services will likely be powered by Apple’s own large language model. Rumor has it that the system will autonomously decide whether it can handle a task locally or if it needs to offload it to the cloud.
Hardware Requirements for AI Features
As iPhone performance improves annually, not all previous models will support the new AI functions. Reports suggest that all current iPhones, except for the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max models, will have limited support for these services. Gurman also asserts that Mac computers and iPads need to be equipped with at least an M1 chip for local AI functionality to work properly.
If this speculation is accurate, all Mac models with Intel processors and iPads older than the fifth generation will only receive partial AI capabilities with the new firmware, notes NIX Solutions. Apple is expected to provide further clarification on this matter during the WWDC 2024 conference, which will be held from June 10 to 14. We’ll keep you updated on any new developments from the conference.