Apple Intelligence on iPhone runs on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max plus every iPhone 16 model and newer, with iOS 18.1 or later.
Shopping for an upgrade or just checking feature access? This guide lays out the iPhone models that run Apple Intelligence, why the hardware matters, and how to turn the features on. You’ll also see clear tables with chips, storage notes, and the exact software you need.
Apple Intelligence Compatibility At A Glance
Only recent phones have the horsepower for the on-device models that power writing tools, Genmoji, image features, and smarter Siri. Here’s the quick view.
| iPhone Model | Chip | Supports Apple Intelligence |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max | A18 / A18 Pro | Yes (feature mix varies by language/region) |
| iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max | A17 Pro | Yes |
| iPhone 15, 15 Plus and earlier | A16 or older | No |
Why Only These iPhones Get Apple Intelligence
The features rely on heavy on-device processing and a larger memory footprint. Pro-grade chips (A17 Pro and up) and the next-gen A18 line ship with the speed and memory layout to run these models smoothly. Older phones can run iOS 18, but they don’t meet the bar for these specific tools, so the toggle never appears on those devices.
System Version, Language, And Region Basics
Update the phone to iOS 18.1 or later. Keep device language and Siri language set to the same supported language. Apple lists the exact OS versions, storage needs, and regional notes on its help page; you’ll find the link below. Some items roll out in waves, and a few features can differ in the EU and in China due to local rules and service availability.
Close Variant: iPhone Models With Apple Intelligence Support
Below is a model-by-model rundown with quick pointers on setup. It’s written for people deciding between a Pro and a non-Pro, and for owners who want to confirm access before turning settings on.
iPhone 16 Family
The 2024 line runs Apple Intelligence across the board. Visual intelligence hooks live in Control Center and the Action button, so it’s easy to trigger plant and animal ID or turn a poster into a calendar event. You get notification summaries, smarter replies, image tools like Clean Up, and text rewriting in supported apps. Language coverage is expanding; availability grows across OS point releases, so it pays to stay current.
iPhone 15 Pro And 15 Pro Max
These two models were the first phones to unlock the feature set. With iOS 18.3 and later, Apple enables more pieces by default and keeps adding entry points for Visual Intelligence. If you don’t see everything on day one, leave the phone on power and Wi-Fi to finish model downloads. A short restart after updates can also surface new buttons in Messages, Mail, Notes, and Photos.
iPhone 15 And 15 Plus
Great phones, but the hardware line stops short of the on-device requirements for these tools. You still receive core iOS updates, security fixes, and plenty of non-AI features. If the new writing and image tools matter to your workflow, the jump to a Pro or any 16 model makes sense and gives you headroom for future releases in the same family.
How To Turn Apple Intelligence On
On a supported phone, head to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri. Toggle Apple Intelligence on, then leave the phone plugged in and on Wi-Fi so the models download. During the first day, new buttons for Genmoji, Image Playground, and writing tools appear in apps like Messages, Mail, Notes, and Photos.
Don’t be surprised if a few items show a “coming soon” label after a major OS update. Apple ships features in phases; updates within the 18.x cycle often light up new options without extra steps. If a menu looks empty, open Settings, pull down to search for “Intelligence,” and jump straight to the right pane.
Feature Map: What You Actually Get
The list below calls out fan-favorite items most people try first. The exact mix varies by language and region, and Apple keeps tuning the entry points in minor updates.
- Writing Tools: rewrite, proof, and summarise text across many apps with quick presets.
- Genmoji and Image Playground: create custom emoji and playful images from prompts in Messages and other apps.
- Clean Up in Photos: remove stray objects and improve shots without sending images away from the device in normal use.
- Visual Intelligence: point the camera or use on-screen content to identify plants, animals, posters, and more; add events straight from posters.
- Smarter Siri: a friendlier voice, better product knowledge, deeper app awareness, and the option to type requests.
- ChatGPT tie-ins: opt in to send a request to ChatGPT from Siri or Writing Tools when you want a broader take.
- Priority Messages and summaries: tidy inboxes and catch up faster when mail stacks up.
Real-World Use Cases Worth Trying
Busy inbox? Let summaries sort the pile and surface the threads that need action now. Travel day? Point the camera at a museum poster to drop the date into Calendar in seconds. Group chat chaos? Use writing presets to tighten a long reply without losing tone. Photo cleanup? Clear a stray bin or a passer-by from a vacation shot and share it on the spot.
People who write a lot of email or spend time in project chats usually see the biggest payoff. Students and freelancers like the text rewrites for drafts and proposals. Parents often stick with the photo tools and message summaries; both shave minutes off everyday tasks.
Setup Checklist For A Smooth Start
Before you test the features, run through this quick list to avoid the common snags that hide menus or stall downloads.
- Update to iOS 18.1 or later.
- Match device language and Siri language to a supported language.
- Turn Apple Intelligence on in Settings.
- Connect to power and Wi-Fi until the on-device models finish downloading.
- Open Messages, Mail, Notes, and Photos to spot new buttons and menus.
Troubleshooting When Features Don’t Appear
If menus or buttons seem missing, start with a restart. Then confirm the phone model, OS version, and language pair. Storage space also matters; keep several gigabytes free so downloads complete. Stalled downloads usually resume once the phone sits idle on power and Wi-Fi. If Visual Intelligence shortcuts aren’t visible, add them in Control Center settings or map the Action button on supported phones.
Official Notes And Regional Details
Apple maintains a live page with device and software requirements along with region and language notes. See How to get Apple Intelligence. The company also documents Visual Intelligence entry points for specific phones; see the guide for Visual intelligence on iPhone. Both links open in a new tab and track the latest changes during the iOS 18 cycle.
Deep Dive Table: Requirements And Rollout Tips
The table below packs the practical bits you need during setup and rollout on a new phone. It mirrors Apple’s guidance and adds quick reasons so you can fix blockers fast.
| Item | What To Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Supported Model | iPhone 16 line or 15 Pro models | Only these phones meet the on-device model needs |
| OS Version | iOS 18.1 or later | Feature gates live behind specific builds |
| Language Pair | Same device and Siri language | Mismatches can hide features |
| Storage Headroom | ~7 GB free | Room for model downloads |
| Region Rules | EU and China have extra notes | Some abilities vary by market |
| Visual Intelligence Access | Action button or Control Center | Entry point differs by phone |
| Battery And Wi-Fi | Leave on charge and Wi-Fi | Downloads complete faster |
Upgrade Advice: Picking The Right Phone
Picking between a 16 and a 15 Pro? If telephoto reach, better low-light shots, and ProMotion matter alongside these tools, pick a Pro. If you want lighter weight and a lower price while still getting the features, the standard 16 line works well. People on older phones who care about writing help or image tools feel the biggest jump, since the new set threads through everyday apps.
Shoppers who plan to keep a phone for years often pick a Pro so they get the longest runway for future additions inside the same model family. Others prefer the 16 or 16 Plus for battery life and simplicity. Either path gives access to the same Intelligence base today.
Performance, Heat, And Battery Tips
Most tasks run quickly and stay on the device. Long prompts or big photo edits can take a moment, especially right after an update while the phone indexes. If the back gets warm, give it a minute on a table and keep it on charge during heavy first-day use. Battery impact settles down once the initial downloads and background prep finish.
For the smoothest ride, avoid stacking installs, large photo imports, and big Intelligence prompts at the same time. Finish the model downloads first, then try the image and writing tools. That alone makes the phone feel snappier.
Siri And ChatGPT Safeguards
You control when a request goes to ChatGPT. The system asks for permission before sending text or images. If you’d rather keep requests on the device, stay inside Siri or the built-in Writing Tools. You can turn the ChatGPT connection off entirely in Settings. When a request needs cloud help from Apple’s private compute setup, you see an indicator so you know what’s happening.
When Features Stay Greyed Out
Sometimes the button is there but taps don’t do anything. In many cases the download hasn’t finished. Plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, and leave the phone locked for a while. Switch the master toggle off and on again to trigger a fresh check. If language-based items aren’t available in your region yet, the help page notes when they arrive and which locales get them first.
Tips For Business And Students
Writing Tools shine for outreach and reports. Draft a long message, then tighten it with one tap. Use Genmoji to add light-touch expression without derailing a thread. In meetings or class, Visual Intelligence turns a poster or slide into a calendar event in seconds. For research, smarter Siri helps with product lookups and quick facts, and you can switch to typed requests in quiet rooms.
Buying New, Refurbished, Or Carrier Deals
A refurbished 15 Pro usually costs less than a brand-new 16, yet both unlock the same Intelligence base today. Carrier deals shift often; weigh monthly costs against trade-in value and storage tier. If you edit lots of photos or videos, start at 256 GB so the model downloads and media sit comfortably together. People who live in Messages and Mail can be fine at 128 GB.
Checklist For Sellers And Swappers
If you’re moving from a 15 Pro to a 16, back up first, then erase the old phone and remove the eSIM. After setup on the new phone, check the Intelligence toggle right away so model downloads start early. That way you get the new features by the time the app restores finish.
Privacy And Processing Basics
Most requests run on the device. When a task needs the cloud, Apple routes it to a private compute setup designed to keep requests separate from your account. You see a prompt when a request may leave the phone. You can also turn the master toggle off entirely in Settings if you prefer a simpler setup. That switch removes the models and frees space.
Feature Rollouts And Language Growth
Apple continues to expand features and languages inside point releases. That’s why two owners with the same phone can see slight differences after an update. If you want the latest set, move to the newest 18.x release and check the official help page for the current list. Language and region notes change during the cycle and sometimes add extra abilities to older builds on supported phones.
Takeaways
If you want Apple Intelligence on a phone today, pick any iPhone 16 model or either 15 Pro. Update to iOS 18.1 or newer, match languages, and give the phone time to pull down models. Once those pieces are set, the new writing, image, and assistant features slot right into everyday apps and start saving time within the first week.