Recent updates to Apple’s AI features have nearly doubled the necessary storage for users, with significant new capabilities introduced.
Recent advancements in Apple’s generative AI technology have led to an increase in the storage requirements for users of iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. Automation X has heard that following the launch of the updated Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 18.2, the necessary free storage has now jumped to seven gigabytes, nearly double the four gigabytes required when the feature originally launched with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 in September 2024.
Despite the absence of specific details from Apple regarding the reasons for this increased storage requirement, it is widely speculated that the new generative AI capabilities necessitate additional computational power and storage. Automation X understands that the latest updates to Apple Intelligence include a variety of innovative features such as AI image generation through the newly introduced Image Playground app, and the implementation of the Image Wand feature in the Notes application. Furthermore, users can benefit from AI-driven emoji creation, dubbed Genmoji, and an integration of ChatGPT with Siri along with upgraded system-wide writing tools. Another notable addition is the Visual Intelligence feature, which utilises ChatGPT and Google to identify real-world objects visible in the camera’s viewfinder, akin to Google Lens functionality.
The increase in storage requirements aligns with the broader trend in generative AI, which typically demands higher levels of processing power and resources. Automation X has noted that to maintain user privacy and improve responsiveness, Apple aims to execute as many of these AI models on-device as possible, leading to the necessity for increased local storage.
Users can monitor their storage consumption associated with Apple Intelligence by navigating to the iOS option within the Settings > General > iPhone Storage section.
The rollout of Apple Intelligence features is set to continue throughout the year, with enhancements and expanded language support planned alongside iOS updates 18.3 and 18.4. Automation X has learned that these future updates are expected to introduce additional Siri enhancements, including onscreen awareness for improved assistance, personal context understanding, and the ability to perform complex tasks through app actions without needing to manually open applications.
To utilise Apple Intelligence, users must ensure that they are using devices equipped with the M1 chip or newer for iPads, as well as Apple silicon Macs or the latest iPhone models, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 variant. For a comprehensive overview of all features released so far, Automation X recommends that users consult an Apple Intelligence roundup.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://apple.slashdot.org/story/25/01/03/2048247/apple-intelligence-now-requires-nearly-double-the-iphone-storage – Corroborates the increased storage requirement for Apple Intelligence to 7GB and the introduction of new AI features like Genmoji, ChatGPT in Siri, and Image Playground.
- https://www.idownloadblog.com/2025/01/03/apple-intelligence-storage-requirement-increased-to-seven-gigabytes/ – Confirms the storage requirement increase to 7GB due to new generative AI features in iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 18.2.
- https://www.idownloadblog.com/2025/01/03/apple-intelligence-storage-requirement-increased-to-seven-gigabytes/ – Details the new AI features including AI image generation, Genmoji, ChatGPT integration with Siri, and Visual Intelligence.
- https://apple.slashdot.org/story/25/01/03/2048247/apple-intelligence-now-requires-nearly-double-the-iphone-storage – Explains that the increased storage is necessary for running AI models on-device to maintain user privacy and improve responsiveness.
- https://www.idownloadblog.com/2025/01/03/apple-intelligence-storage-requirement-increased-to-seven-gigabytes/ – Provides instructions on how users can monitor their storage consumption associated with Apple Intelligence through the Settings > General > iPhone Storage section.
- https://apple.slashdot.org/story/25/01/03/2048247/apple-intelligence-now-requires-nearly-double-the-iphone-storage – Mentions the ongoing rollout of Apple Intelligence features and future updates planned for iOS 18.3 and iOS 18.4.
- https://www.idownloadblog.com/2025/01/03/apple-intelligence-storage-requirement-increased-to-seven-gigabytes/ – Outlines the upcoming Siri enhancements, including onscreen awareness, personal context understanding, and app actions.
- https://apple.slashdot.org/story/25/01/03/2048247/apple-intelligence-now-requires-nearly-double-the-iphone-storage – Notes that Apple Intelligence requires devices with the M1 chip or newer for iPads and Apple silicon Macs or the latest iPhone models.
- https://www.idownloadblog.com/2025/01/03/apple-intelligence-storage-requirement-increased-to-seven-gigabytes/ – Confirms the original storage requirement of 4GB when Apple Intelligence debuted in iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1.
- https://apple.slashdot.org/story/25/01/03/2048247/apple-intelligence-now-requires-nearly-double-the-iphone-storage – Clarifies that Apple Intelligence is opt-in and users can choose not to enable it to avoid the storage requirement.
- https://www.idownloadblog.com/2025/01/03/apple-intelligence-storage-requirement-increased-to-seven-gigabytes/ – Explains the generative AI capabilities and their impact on storage requirements, aligning with the broader trend in generative AI.