Only These iPhone Models Get New Siri AI This Fall
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Only These iPhone Models Will Get the New Siri AI This Fall
Apple has finally delivered on its promise of a more intelligent virtual assistant, but not all iPhone owners will have access to the new Siri AI. The latest version of Siri was announced at WWDC 2026 and is set to revolutionize the way users interact with their devices.
A Decade in the Making
For over a decade, Apple has been touting its commitment to creating a more intelligent Siri experience. However, despite numerous updates and feature additions, the virtual assistant has failed to live up to expectations. The introduction of Apple Intelligence, which is meant to power more advanced AI capabilities within the iPhone, has been slow to materialize.
Which iPhones Will Get the Upgrade?
Not all iPhone owners will be able to take advantage of Siri AI. Apple has revealed that only devices compatible with Apple Intelligence will receive the upgrade. This includes every iPhone released since the iPhone 15 Pro, as well as iPad and Mac models powered by Apple silicon. The 2024 iPad mini is also supported, given its use of the same System-on-Chip (SoC) as the iPhone 15 Pro.
What Does Siri AI Bring to the Table?
The new Siri AI promises to be a game-changer for users. With the ability to understand context and reference information from notes, messages, emails, and photos, users will finally have access to a more personalized experience. The introduction of Apple Foundation Models that are stored on-device should help improve response times and ensure user data remains private.
A Questionable Track Record
While Siri AI is certainly an upgrade over previous versions, it’s hard not to be reminded of Apple’s checkered past when it comes to integrating AI features into its products. The tech giant has been slow to adopt meaningful AI capabilities, instead opting for incremental updates and shallow feature additions. Will this latest iteration finally live up to expectations?
What About the Base Model iPhone 18?
The upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and rumored iPhone Fold will also enjoy powerful on-device AI models. However, it’s uncertain if the base model iPhone 18 will too. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reported that Apple is looking to bump up memory in non-Pro iPhones to 9GB, but Apple mentions that its most powerful on-device AI models require at least 12GB of RAM.
A New Chapter for Apple Intelligence
The introduction of Siri AI marks a significant turning point for Apple’s commitment to creating more advanced AI capabilities within the iPhone. It remains to be seen whether this latest iteration will live up to expectations, but one thing is certain: it’s about time Apple delivered on its promise of a more intelligent virtual assistant.
As users eagerly await the release of iOS 27 and the accompanying Siri AI upgrade, it’s clear that Apple has finally taken steps towards creating a truly transformative user experience. However, it’s also crucial to remember that this latest iteration is only the beginning – there’s still much work to be done in making Siri AI an indispensable tool for iPhone owners.
Reader Views
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
While Apple's new Siri AI is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, its limited availability on older iPhone models is a clear indicator that user experience is still being dictated by device loyalty rather than true innovation. The fact that these advancements are only accessible to users with relatively recent devices will likely exacerbate the existing digital divide between those who can afford to upgrade and those who cannot.
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
The latest Siri AI upgrade is long overdue, but Apple's decision to limit its availability to newer iPhone models raises questions about device fragmentation and planned obsolescence. While the 2024 iPad mini's inclusion is a welcome surprise, owners of older iPhones will be left in the dust once again. It's time for Apple to address this issue and provide software support for devices that are still capable of delivering a seamless user experience, rather than forcing users to upgrade every few years.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
It's about time Apple delivered on its promise of a more intelligent Siri experience. But let's not get ahead of ourselves here - this upgrade is far from inclusive. What about those of us stuck with older iPhone models or even worse, non-Apple devices? Don't we deserve a chance to experience the benefits of advanced AI? Apple needs to clarify how and when users without compatible hardware will have access to these features. The tech giant's track record on integrating AI is spotty at best - they've had over a decade to get this right.