With Apple Intelligence, Apple is bringing AI to the iPhone. Unfortunately, this feature is only available on the 15 Pro and new models, so do you want to upgrade because of the service?
It’s the talking point in the tech world right now: Apple Intelligence. In other words, Apple’s marketing term for AI. During WWDC24, we saw the possibilities AI brings to the iPhone.
Unfortunately, there is a downside, as Apple Intelligence only comes in products running on the Apple M chip and iPhones with at least an A17 chip. This means the regular iPhone 15 and the 14 Pro are out of the running. If you want the service, you will have to upgrade to a new device if you don’t have the iPhone 15 Pro. But is it worth it?
A new iPhone because of Apple Intelligence?
While Android allows you to receive AI even on older devices (such as the Samsung Galaxy S23), Apple is taking a different tack. Only the newest devices and the 15 Pro and Pro Max will receive Apple Intelligence. Apple has a good reason for this, because unlike Google, the AI takes place mostly on the device itself. This requires more processing power.
For Apple Intelligence to work properly, it requires a strong processor. Apple considers the A17 chip in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max and the M-series chips good enough. So since that A17 is only in this year’s Pro models, you will have to upgrade.
Using AI to create a reminder video. (Image: Apple)
The big question, however, is whether you want that. Yes, the presentation on Apple Intelligence during the WWDC24 Keynote was impressive. You get a lot of additional features with it. You can automate a lot of processes on your iPhone, which means you spend a lot less time on your tasks. And perhaps most importantly, Siri finally becomes relevant again after years.
Possible drawbacks
These all seem like valid reasons to upgrade – and they are – but there are some snags. First, Apple Intelligence is a beta in iOS 18, which means that not everything will work optimally yet. But Apple wouldn’t be Apple if it is nevertheless really well put together. So it will work pretty smoothly and well.
Then there is another drawback, and it is especially for Dutch people. Apple Intelligence only supports American English. This requires you to set the language of your iPhone and Siri to American English. This need not be a problem, of course, but it can be irritating. As a result, some features are not suitable in Dutch. For example, consider transcribing. This can only be done in English and thus not in Dutch.
To buy or not to buy a new iPhone because of Apple Intelligence?
Should these disadvantages not be a problem for you, it may be a good idea to upgrade. For example, should Dutch or another language be supported next year, it will just be the same with the A17 chip (in the regular iPhone 16) or the A18 chip (in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max). So in the meantime, you can get by just fine in English.
Listen to Freakin’ Nerds
WANT editor-in-chief Mark Hofman celebrates in Apple Park not only the 4 million followers of Niels van Straaten (Appledsign), but also the arrival of Apple Intelligence. Is that something to be excited about, how does it work and is it actually safe?
However, if you do care about having Dutch support, then it pays to wait with your upgrade. If you have an iPhone 14 or 13, you’ll still get the new iOS 18 features, just without Apple Intelligence. Those are still fine features to use, by the way.
If you still want a bit of the feel of AI with that, you can also use the Google app and the ChatGPT app. OK, those really aren’t the features that make Apple Intelligence so unique, but it does provide general generative AI features such as having letters written for you or giving you tips on nutrition and training, for example. It’s not everything, but it’s something.
