Apple is bringing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to its latest iPhone, iPad and Mac models through a new feature called Apple Intelligence. The newest devices with A17 Pro and M-series chips will get powerful AI abilities like improved photo editing, document generation and coding assistance. However, older models will be unable to support Apple Intelligence due to hardware limitations, though this allows Apple to optimize the AI experience, security and resources on modern devices.
Apple Intelligence Supported Devices
iPhones
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPads
- iPad Air (M1 and later, starting with the 2022 model)
- iPad Pro (M1 and later, starting with the 2021 model)
Macs
- MacBook Air (M1 and later)
- MacBook Pro (M1 and later)
- iMac (M1 and later)
- Mac mini (M1 and later)
- Mac Studio (M1 Max and later)
- Mac Pro (M2 Ultra)
iPhones: AI in the Palm of Your Hand
Apple’s flagship iPhone lineup will be at the forefront of the AI revolution, with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max leading the charge. Equipped with the latest A17 Pro chip, these devices will have the necessary processing power to harness the full potential of Apple Intelligence.
From AI-powered photo editing and image generation to advanced natural language processing capabilities, the iPhone 15 Pro series will redefine what’s possible on a mobile device. Additionally, these phones will feature enhanced security measures, such as App Lock with FaceID, ensuring that your data remains safe and secure even as you embrace the power of AI.
iPads: AI-Powered Productivity and Creativity
Apple’s iPad lineup will also benefit from the AI revolution, with the iPad Air (M1 and later, starting with the 2022 model) and iPad Pro (M1 and later, starting with the 2021 model) supporting Apple Intelligence. These powerful tablets, equipped with Apple’s M-series chips, will become true productivity and creativity powerhouses.
Imagine effortlessly generating complex documents, presentations, or even code snippets using AI-powered writing tools. Or perhaps you’re an artist looking to explore new realms of creativity, with AI-powered image generation tools at your fingertips. The possibilities are endless, and Apple’s AI-enabled iPads are poised to redefine what’s possible in the world of mobile computing.
Macs: AI-Powered Workstations
Apple’s commitment to AI extends to its desktop and laptop lineup, with a range of Macs supporting Apple Intelligence. From the sleek and portable MacBook Air (M1 and later) to the powerhouse Mac Studio (M1 Max and later) and the upcoming Mac Pro (M2 Ultra), Apple’s Mac lineup will become a true AI-powered workstation.
Imagine seamlessly integrating AI into your workflow, whether it’s generating code snippets, analyzing complex datasets, or rendering advanced 3D models. With Apple Intelligence, your Mac will become a true partner in productivity, empowering you to achieve more than ever before.
Devices Not Supported by Apple Intelligence
As exciting as the prospect of Apple Intelligence may be, it comes with a caveat – several older Apple devices will not support this new technology. Here is a comprehensive list of devices that will be left behind in this AI-driven future:
iPhones
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8 and earlier models
iPads
- iPad Mini (all models)
- iPad (standard models, non-Air and non-Pro)
- Older iPad Air models (pre-M1)
- Older iPad Pro models (pre-M1)
Macs
- Older MacBook Air models (pre-M1)
- Older MacBook Pro models (pre-M1)
- Older iMac models (pre-M1)
- Older Mac mini models (pre-M1)
- Older Mac Pro models (pre-M2 Ultra)
These devices lack the necessary computational power provided by the A17 Pro and M-series chips to support the advanced AI features of Apple Intelligence.
Why Apple Removes Support for Older Devices
Apple’s decision to remove support for older devices is not a new phenomenon, and there are several compelling reasons behind this strategy.
1. Hardware Limitations
Older devices often lack the necessary hardware capabilities to support new features and updates. Advanced technologies like AI require significant computational resources, which older models simply cannot provide. By focusing on newer devices, Apple ensures that its cutting-edge features are optimized for the hardware they run on.
2. Security
Maintaining security is a top priority for Apple. As software evolves, older devices with outdated hardware and software architectures become increasingly vulnerable to security threats. By discontinuing support for these devices, Apple can ensure that security patches are more effective and timely, protecting users from potential risks.
3. User Experience
Apple is renowned for its commitment to delivering a seamless and high-quality user experience. As software becomes more advanced, older devices may struggle with performance issues, such as lagging or crashing. By discontinuing support for these devices, Apple ensures that users have a better overall experience with their products.
4. Planned Obsolescence
While controversial, planned obsolescence is a common business strategy in the tech industry. By phasing out support for older devices, Apple encourages users to upgrade to newer models, driving sales and fueling innovation.
5. Sustainability and Resource Management
Supporting a wide range of devices requires significant resources in terms of development, testing, and maintenance. By narrowing the focus to newer devices, Apple can allocate its resources more efficiently, ensuring that the latest devices receive the best possible support and updates.
Conclusion
The advent of Apple Intelligence marks a significant milestone in the tech industry, ushering in a new era of seamless integration between artificial intelligence and our daily lives. While the excitement surrounding this revolutionary technology is palpable, the decision to limit its availability to newer devices raises important questions about hardware limitations, security, user experience, and sustainability. As we embrace the future of AI, it is crucial to strike a balance between innovation and accessibility, ensuring that no one is left behind in this rapidly evolving digital landscape. Ultimately, the success of Apple Intelligence will be measured not only by its technological prowess but also by its ability to empower and enrich the lives of users across the spectrum of Apple devices.