Apple Intelligence runs on iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max plus the iPhone 16 and 17 families; other iPhones aren’t supported.
Trying to figure out if your phone can use Apple’s new on-device features? Here’s a clear, up-to-date view of eligibility, the reasons behind it, and what you can expect on supported models.
Supported iPhone Models For Apple Intelligence Today
The lineup is tied to chip power. Apple limits these features to devices with the latest Neural Engine generations. That’s why only recent models make the cut.
| iPhone Model | Chip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | A19 Pro | Full feature set when language is supported. |
| iPhone 17 Pro | A19 Pro | Same capabilities as 17 Pro Max. |
| iPhone 17 | A19 | Apple Intelligence enabled at launch. |
| iPhone Air | A19 Pro | Thin design, Pro-class Neural Engine. |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | A18 Pro | Supports the full suite in supported regions. |
| iPhone 16 Pro | A18 Pro | Same capabilities as 16 Pro Max. |
| iPhone 16 Plus | A18 | On-device tools active after setup. |
| iPhone 16 | A18 | Ships with features ready once updated. |
| iPhone 16e | A18 | Entry model, still eligible. |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | A17 Pro | First iPhone generation to qualify. |
| iPhone 15 Pro | A17 Pro | Matches 15 Pro Max feature set. |
You’ll need recent system versions too. Most features arrive with iOS 18.4 or later (Apple guide) on iPhone. Regional language rollout varies by country and by feature pack. Keep auto updates on.
Why Older Devices Don’t Qualify
These tools lean on large models, fast memory, and a strong Neural Engine. Earlier chips can’t run them at the speed and privacy level Apple targets. You still get standard iOS updates on many older phones, but the on-device intelligence suite stays limited to newer hardware.
What You Get On Compatible Phones
Writing Tools In Native Apps
Rewrite, proof, and change tone inside Mail, Notes, and more. You can summarize long text and draft replies with a tap. When web help is useful, Siri may offer a handoff that uses ChatGPT with permission.
Visual Intelligence
Point the camera at text or objects and pull out context. You can lift details from photos, search with plain language, and clean distractions from images with a quick action.
Smarter Communication
Priority messages rise to the top, long threads get summaries, and calls can produce live transcripts. Goal: less inbox overload and faster follow-through.
Image Playground And Genmoji
Create playful images and custom emoji from short prompts. Results slot into Messages and other apps without extra steps.
Live Translation Add-Ons
When enabled, select language pairs can translate in Messages and calls. Feature scope depends on region and app. AirPods extras roll out in supported countries.
Set It Up The Right Way
Update iOS First
Head to Settings → General → Software Update. Install the latest iOS 18.x build available to you.
Check Language And Region
Go to Settings → General → Language & Region and pick a supported language. Many features start with U.S. English and add more over time. Some regions limit a few add-ons due to local rules.
Enable Siri And Writing Tools
Open Settings → Siri. Turn on “Listen for ‘Siri’” and “Press Side Button for Siri.” In apps with Writing Tools, tap the sparkle icon to rewrite or summarize.
Privacy Prompts
When Siri suggests a ChatGPT assist, you’ll see a permission sheet. Approve if you want that help.
Feature Availability And Requirements Snapshot
| Feature Area | Works On | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Tools | All supported models | Arrive with iOS 18.4+; language list grows over time. |
| Visual Intelligence | All supported models | Text, objects, and context actions in Photos and Camera. |
| Genmoji/Image Playground | All supported models | Creative tools inside Messages and compatible apps. |
| Live Translation | Selected regions | Feature mix varies; AirPods add-ons not in every market. |
| Phone/FaceTime Transcription | All supported models | One-to-one calls; language list expands in waves. |
Not On The List? Here’s What Still Works
Lots of handy iOS features remain available even without the new suite. You still get security patches, Messages upgrades, Maps updates, and Photos edits that don’t rely on the latest models. For many users, that’s good enough for daily use. If you want the new writing and vision tools, you’ll need eligible hardware.
Buying Advice By Use Case
Writers, Students, And Busy Emailers
Pick an A18 Pro or newer phone for speed in rewrites and summaries.
Creators And Social Sharers
The A19 and A19 Pro phones make image creation snappy. Clean-up and search in Photos feel instant.
Travelers And Call-Heavy Users
Go for a recent model if you want live translation in supported regions and crisp call transcripts.
How To Confirm Eligibility On Your Phone
- Open Settings and search for “Apple Intelligence.”
- If the pane appears, tap it and check status. If it’s missing, install updates and reboot.
- Set device language to a supported one, then try again.
- Still missing? Your phone likely isn’t on the compatible list.
Why The Chip Matters
The Neural Engine handles token work for language and image models. Newer chips offer far more TOPS, faster memory, and better power use. That enables on-device privacy and speed that older silicon can’t match. The result is quick actions and less time waiting on a spinner.
Common Setup Snags And Fixes
Missing The Sparkle Icon In Apps
Update the app and iOS. Then sign out of iCloud and back in. The tools plug into system components, so fresh sign-in can help.
Language Isn’t Available Yet
Pick a supported language for now, then switch back later. Features roll out in waves, and Apple posts updates with each point release.
Battery Drain After Enabling
Indexing and model setup can run in the background for a while. Give it a day of normal use. If drain sticks around, restart and check which apps stay active.
Security And Privacy Basics
Most requests run on the phone. Some complex tasks may use Private Cloud Compute, which runs on Apple servers with Apple silicon. Apple says requests aren’t stored, and code images are open to inspection by the security field.
Regional Availability And Languages
Feature packs launch in waves. U.S. English came first, then more English dialects and several major languages. Some features are missing in parts of the EU, and a few AirPods add-ons aren’t live everywhere. When your region gains a pack, you’ll see new toggles appear after you update.
How Updates Deliver New Capabilities
Apple ships pieces in point releases. One month might add better summaries; the next might expand image tools. Don’t expect every headline feature on day one. Update, skim the release notes, and try the new buttons in your daily apps.
iPad And Mac Parity, In Brief
If you also use an iPad or a Mac, you’ll see a similar toolset when those devices run current software and have Apple silicon. That helps with continuity. Start a draft on the phone, polish on the laptop, and send from Mail on either device. The iPhone still gets the first crack at many perks, so the phone list above is the main decider for most people.
Where To Check The Official List
Apple maintains a public device list and a setup guide. See the Apple Intelligence device list for region and version details. Apple updates these pages with each point release. Check back.
Should You Upgrade Now Or Wait?
If you rely on fast writing aids and better photo tools, an eligible phone pays off today. If you don’t need those perks, keep your current phone and watch the feature set grow with updates. Either path is fine. The answer hangs on how much you’ll use the new tools.