You require minimum 4GB storage for Apple Intelligence features

Apple Intelligence is set to debut in October. While all the iPhone 16 models and the iPhone 15 Pro models are eligible for the upcoming features, it has some pre-requisites.

In Short

• Apple Intelligence features to arrive in October
• The first update requires at least 4GB storage
• Only iPhone 16 models and iPhone 15 Pro models are eligible for Apple Intelligence

Apple is just a few days away from releasing iOS 18.1, which will mark the debut of Apple Intelligence. This update is set to bring only a handful of Apple's AI features, but it is still a start. Before rolling out the stable version, Apple recently released the beta version. Based on the Apple-published document included in the latest iOS 18.1 beta, Apple Intelligence will have a specific storage requirement when it arrives. This means that, apart from iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 Pro models, eligible models should also have a dedicated space for the new update.

Apple Intelligence: Storage requirement

Under the Supported Devices, the document stated that Apple Intelligence is available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, all iPhone 16 models, and iPad and Mac models with M1 and later. iPhone devices need 4GB of storage to install and use Apple Intelligence features.

Apple might have separate standards for iPads and Macs, or there could be an undisclosed rationale behind their decision to keep this information private. Additionally, this storage requirement will increase with future updates. It notes, "Storage requirements for on-device Apple Intelligence models will increase as more features roll out."

So far, it is not clear how much more storage will be required for the future AI features. A doubling of the minimum requirement to 8GB within the next 12 months wouldn't come as a surprise.

As the new update is coming soon, heavy iPhone users should start clearing out unnecessary files or opt for higher storage capacities when purchasing the new iPhone 16 or 16 Pro.

Apple Intelligence features to come in iOS 18.1

iOS 18.1 will introduce the initial wave of Apple Intelligence features, including Writing Tools for rewriting, proofreading, and summarising text. The Siri design has been fully revamped and now includes the option to type your queries. The new design of glowing lights that wrap the edges of the device when Siri is active will be observed in this phase. It also has the ability to switch between text and voice for Siri interactions. However, Apple will improve Siri even more in the upcoming versions.

The Mail app gains new functionalities, such as message summaries, priority sorting, and Smart Reply. Additionally, iOS 18.1 introduces a new Focus mode called Reduce Interruptions, leveraging AI to prioritise notifications that require immediate attention.

Apple has gradually added new Apple Intelligence features throughout the iOS 18.1 beta cycle. iOS 18.1 beta 3, released last month, expanded Notification Summaries to all notifications and added a new Clean-Up feature to the Photos app.