Is Apple Intelligence Worth the Upgrade?

Apple Intelligence has officially launched – and while it’s no longer just around the corner, there’s still plenty to unpack if you’re wondering whether it’s worth upgrading your current devices to ones that support it. Apple Intelligence uses an on-device model of approximately 3 billion parameters, paired with a larger server-based model through Apple’s Private Cloud Compute system for more demanding tasks. With features rolling out across writing tools, image generation, notification summaries, and more, Gazelle dug into the details to help you decide if an upgrade makes sense for you.

One important thing to know upfront: Apple Intelligence is not available on all recent iPhones. On the iPhone side, you’ll need at least an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max (powered by the A17 Pro chip), or any iPhone 16 model. Older devices, including the standard iPhone 15, are left out entirely. The feature also requires up to 7 GB of storage space – around 5.75 GB on iOS 18.3 – so you’ll want to make sure you have room to spare. Apple still officially labeled Apple Intelligence as “in beta” as of iOS 18.3 in January 2025, though it is enabled by default on supported devices.

It’s worth noting that not everything has gone smoothly. Bloomberg reported that Apple’s next-generation Siri – one of the most anticipated parts of Apple Intelligence – was too error-prone to release on schedule, forcing Apple to delay it. So while there are genuinely useful features already available, the full vision of a smarter, more context-aware Siri is still a work in progress. Despite that, Apple Intelligence is expected to be a major driver of iPhone upgrades, with projected iPhone sales of 247 million units in 2025 and 257 million in 2026. Let’s dive into what’s actually available now and whether the upgrade is worth it for you!

Your Guide to the Future of Apple’s AI Tools: Everything You Need to Know

Apple Intelligence, the company’s proprietary AI technology, has been one of the most talked-about developments in the smartphone world since its rollout began with iOS 18.1. While it launched alongside the iPhone 16 lineup, it’s also compatible with a broader range of devices – including the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max (thanks to their A17 Pro chips), the fifth-generation iPad Air and Pro, and a selection of Mac computers. In other words, you don’t need the latest and most expensive Apple hardware to take advantage of it, and you can find several compatible refurbished models right here at Gazelle.

Under the hood, Apple Intelligence uses a roughly 3-billion-parameter on-device model, keeping many tasks local to your device for speed and privacy. For more complex requests, it taps into Apple’s Private Cloud Compute, a server-based system designed with privacy in mind. One practical thing to be aware of: Apple Intelligence requires up to 7 GB of storage space – approximately 5 GB on macOS and 5.75 GB on iOS – so it’s worth checking your available storage before enabling it.

As of early 2025, Apple still officially considered Apple Intelligence to be in beta, though it became enabled by default with iOS 18.3, macOS 15.3, and iPadOS 18.3. The rollout hasn’t been without its hiccups – Bloomberg reported that Apple’s next-generation Siri rebuild was too error-prone to release on schedule, forcing the company to delay what was expected to be one of its headline AI features. That’s a notable setback, given that Apple poured roughly $30 billion into R&D in 2024, much of it directed toward AI development.

Despite the bumps, market analysts remain bullish on Apple Intelligence as a long-term driver of iPhone upgrades, with iPhone sales projected to reach 247 million units in 2025 and climb to 257 million in 2026. It’s a reminder that even an imperfect AI rollout can reshape the upgrade cycle – and if you’ve been on the fence about switching to a compatible device, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.

What is Apple Intelligence?

Put simply, Apple Intelligence aims to make smart devices even smarter and more helpful by streamlining the user experience through machine learning algorithms that improve device performance and efficiency. Combining an on-device AI model (approximately 3 billion parameters) with a supplementary server-based model through Apple’s Private Cloud Compute system, Apple Intelligence features a host of handy tools designed to make your life more convenient.

Once you opt into using Apple’s AI models, they’ll operate on your compatible devices for free – there’s no subscription service or additional payments necessary. With the help of these AI tools, you’ll be able to write messages, generate AI images, create custom emojis, and much more. Keep in mind that Apple Intelligence requires up to 7 GB of storage space (around 5.75 GB on iOS 18.3), so it’s worth making sure you have room on your device before enabling it.

On iPhone, Apple Intelligence is supported only on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, as well as all iPhone 16 models, due to the A17 Pro chip requirement. As of early 2025, Apple still considered Apple Intelligence to be in beta, though it is enabled by default starting with iOS 18.3, macOS 15.3, and iPadOS 18.3.

The technology also includes an updated version of Siri, though it’s worth noting that Bloomberg reported Apple’s more advanced next-generation Siri build was too error-prone to release on schedule, leading to delays in some of the more ambitious conversational features. Apple invested heavily in getting this right – its R&D budget reached $30 billion in 2024, with Apple Intelligence being a key focus of that spending.

Key Features and Functionality

There’s a lengthy laundry list of impressive features included with Apple Intelligence, and each unique user will find value in various aspects of the technology. One of the most broadly useful applications will likely be the model’s robust writing tools.

Rewrite and Proofread Writing Tools

Apple’s Rewrite and Proofread writing tools are quite similar to the widely popular Grammarly platform. These tools help users hone the voice and tone of their writing. Need to write a concise, professional business email? Or do you want to write a fun, casual message to friends? Rewrite and Proofread can help! You can also use these new writing tools to create summaries of longer texts, breaking them down by key topics into tables or lists.

ChatGPT Integration

One of the most talked-about aspects of this new tech is how Apple has seamlessly integrated ChatGPT functionality. Through Apple’s partnership with OpenAI – the creator of ChatGPT – Apple Intelligence users can send complex requests to ChatGPT without opening any additional apps or swapping from tool to tool.

ChatGPT will help Apple devices with the aforementioned writing tools (for example, it will provide users with suggested replies within the Messages app), but the integration goes much deeper than that. OpenAI tools will help Siri handle more complicated information requests, and they’re also integrated into Apple’s AI image generation functionality.

It’s important to note that Apple will ask users’ permission whenever it needs to access ChatGPT, ensuring that ChatGPT only functions when you want it to. You don’t even need a ChatGPT account to use its features within Apple Intelligence. That said, existing ChatGPT subscribers can integrate their accounts with Apple’s AI tools to access paid features, including full access to its data analysis tools, higher messaging limits, image generation tech, and more.

Image Playground

Apple Intelligence also includes Image Playground, Apple’s built-in AI image generation tool. All you need to do is enter key phrases or descriptions and Image Playground will generate images based on them, which you can further customize by choosing the style of image you want. For instance, you can choose to create anything from a lifelike sketch to a cartoonish animation.

For iPad users, Image Playground is compatible with Apple Pencil and doesn’t even require opening a separate app like it does on an iPhone. Instead, you can transform your Apple Pencil sketches into full-blown AI images through the existing Image Wand function. It’s super-fun to play with, so don’t be surprised if you sink more time into Image Playground than you might expect!

Genmoji

Apple users can now create their own original AI-generated “Genmoji” images – fully custom emoji that go far beyond the standard library built into iOS.

Simply choose a person pictured in any photo on your device and Genmoji will create an emoji that looks like them. Thanks to the text-to-image functionality in Apple Intelligence, you can also type in a prompt – such as “a smiley face wearing a beret” – and Genmoji will generate an image based on your description.

You can add your Genmoji to text messages, assign Genmoji to contacts, use them as Tapback reactions, or integrate them as stickers in supported third-party applications.

Apple Photos Improvements

Apple Intelligence also adds meaningful new functionality to Apple’s Photos app, including the company’s “custom memory movies” feature. Tell your device a story or theme, and it will automatically select suitable photos and videos from your library, organizing them into a custom memory movie with a narrative arc that suits your chosen storyline.

That’s not the only improvement to Apple Photos, however. Users can now search their photo and video libraries using natural language keywords or descriptions, and Apple Intelligence can also help them locate specific moments within video clips. It’s an incredibly convenient feature that can save you a significant amount of time when hunting down that one photo you can never seem to find.

Siri Improvements – and Some Notable Setbacks

Apple’s virtual assistant has been around since 2011, but Apple Intelligence was intended to bring sweeping updates to Siri. One of the most immediately noticeable improvements is the overhauled user interface, which makes Siri feel more seamlessly woven into the iOS experience than ever before. Customizing your iPhone’s home screen alongside these Siri changes can make the overall experience feel even more personalized.

Siri also gained significantly better language processing capabilities, meaning it understands and responds to a much wider variety of prompts and conversational inputs. These improvements allow Siri to use “personal context” – drawing on your activity within iOS – to tailor its responses in a more relevant, human-feeling way.

However, it’s worth being transparent about a significant stumbling block: Bloomberg reported that Apple’s next-generation Siri build – the more deeply intelligent, on-screen-aware version that was prominently featured in Apple Intelligence marketing – was found to be too error-prone to release on schedule. As a result, Apple has had to delay that more advanced iteration of Siri, and as of early 2026, it has not yet fully arrived. This has been one of the more high-profile criticisms of Apple Intelligence as a package, as the most impressive Siri demos remain partially unrealized in practice.

The good news is that the foundational Siri improvements – better language understanding, the glowing border UI indicator that shows when Siri is actively listening, and tighter integration with on-device context – are live and functional. Apple is expected to continue rolling out the more advanced Siri capabilities through future software updates.

Email and Phone Call Transcriptions and Summaries

Apple Intelligence makes its mark on even the most routine functions of a smartphone: making calls and accessing emails. You can now manage calls on your iPhone in powerful new ways, including the ability to record and transcribe your phone calls and access AI-generated summaries once you hang up. Privacy is handled thoughtfully – if either person activates the recording feature, a prerecorded message will play informing all parties that the call is being recorded.

Email summarization is another genuinely handy tool for anyone dealing with a flooded inbox. You’ll also find a feature in the Mail app called Priority Messages, which automatically identifies important emails and surfaces them prominently, helping ensure that you never miss a time-sensitive or critical message amid the noise.

How Apple Intelligence Works

Apple Intelligence operates on two different models: an on-device model and a server-based model known as Private Cloud Compute. As the name implies, the on-device version is integrated directly into the device itself, allowing your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to use AI technology without accessing the cloud.

On-Device Model

The on-device model powers the majority of Apple Intelligence requests, using an approximately 3 billion parameter model built directly into supported hardware. This version is preferred primarily because of its superior privacy protection, keeping sensitive information on your device rather than sending it to the cloud. For example, Apple uses the on-device model for tasks like searching for a podcast episode or pulling up the details of your next flight.

It’s worth noting that Apple Intelligence has fairly specific hardware requirements. On iPhone, it’s only supported on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max – due to their A17 Pro chip – as well as all iPhone 16 models. You’ll also need to set aside up to 7 GB of storage space, roughly 5.75 GB on iOS 18.3 and around 5 GB on macOS 15.3.

Server Foundation Model (Private Cloud Compute)

When a request exceeds what the on-device model can handle, Apple Intelligence automatically routes it to Apple’s server-based model through a system Apple calls “Private Cloud Compute.” This cloud layer can handle significantly more complex requests that require additional processing power beyond what’s available on the device itself.

Despite being cloud-based, Apple has built meaningful privacy protections into this system. Your data is anonymized before being sent to the cloud, and Apple states it will only use your data for the specific request you make – not for broader data collection or training purposes. The “Private Cloud Compute” branding reflects Apple’s stated commitment to maintaining privacy even when processing happens off-device.

It’s worth keeping expectations measured, however. As of early 2025, Apple still considered Apple Intelligence to be in beta, even as it was enabled by default with iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS 15.3. Bloomberg also reported that Apple’s more ambitious next-generation Siri rebuild was delayed after internal builds were found to be too error-prone to release – a reminder that despite Apple’s significant investment, including a $30 billion R&D budget in 2024, some of the most anticipated AI features are still a work in progress.

User Control and Opt-Out Options

Apple Intelligence is supported on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, as well as all iPhone 16 models, thanks to the A17 Pro chip requirement. Rather than being forced on users, Apple Intelligence must be manually enabled before you can access its features – so there are no surprises, and no one is required to use it. You can also change your mind and opt out of Apple Intelligence at any time.

It’s worth noting that Apple Intelligence does require up to 7 GB of storage space (approximately 5.75 GB on iOS 18.3), so it’s something to factor in if your device is running low. As of early 2025, Apple still considered the suite of features to be in beta, though it enabled them by default on supported devices running iOS 18.3, macOS 15.3, and iPadOS 18.3.

One area where Apple has faced scrutiny is with its next-generation Siri upgrades. Bloomberg reported that the more advanced Siri rebuild was too error-prone to release on schedule, leading Apple to delay those capabilities. This serves as a reminder that while Apple Intelligence is broadly available, not every promised feature has rolled out as originally planned – another reason it’s useful that users retain full control over whether they engage with these tools at all.

Device Compatibility and Availability

While Apple Intelligence is available across a wide range of Apple devices, it isn’t compatible with all of them. That’s because the AI features require a significant amount of memory and processing power, meaning older devices with insufficient RAM or older chips won’t make the cut. On iPhone, Apple Intelligence requires an A17 Pro chip or later, and on iPad and Mac, you’ll need an M-series chip.

Here’s a complete list of the devices compatible with Apple Intelligence:

Phones

• iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max

Tablets

• iPad Air (5th generation or later)
• iPad Pro (5th generation or later)

Computers and Chip Requirements

• iMac (M1 or later)
• Mac Studio (M1 Max/Ultra or later)
• Mac Pro (M2 Ultra)
• Mac mini (M1 or later)
• MacBook Pro (M1 or later)
• MacBook Air (M1 or later)

It’s also worth noting that Apple Intelligence requires up to 7 GB of storage space — roughly 5 GB on macOS and around 5.75 GB on iOS — so make sure you have enough room on your device before enabling it. On the iPhone side, the feature is notably absent from the standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, as those models use the A16 Bionic chip rather than the A17 Pro, which didn’t make the cut for Apple Intelligence support.

The Future of Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence has already begun reshaping how we think about AI integration in consumer devices – and the road ahead looks even more ambitious. Apple’s artificial intelligence efforts have the potential to transform traditional retail and marketing strategies, with personalized AI recommendations potentially replacing conventional advertising methods over time. The implications extend beyond Apple’s bottom line, with the broader retail landscape potentially seeing a fundamental shift toward AI-driven personalization.

As of early 2025, Apple officially enabled Apple Intelligence by default starting with iOS 18.3, macOS 15.3, and iPadOS 18.3 – though the feature set was still considered beta at that stage. Under the hood, Apple Intelligence runs a roughly 3 billion parameter on-device model, paired with a larger server-side model through Apple’s Private Cloud Compute system for more demanding tasks. It requires up to 7 GB of storage space, so users will want to make sure they have room to spare before enabling it.

Not every device can take advantage of these features, however. On iPhone, Apple Intelligence is limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max – due to the A17 Pro chip requirement – as well as all iPhone 16 models. This hardware gate has made Apple Intelligence one of the biggest drivers of the current iPhone upgrade cycle, with iPhone sales projected to hit 247 million units in 2025 and climb further to 257 million in 2026.

That said, Apple’s AI journey hasn’t been without setbacks. Bloomberg reported that the next-generation Siri rebuild – expected to be a major leap forward in conversational AI – was found to be too error-prone to release on schedule, forcing Apple to push back its timeline. It’s a reminder that even with an R&D budget of $30 billion in 2024, building reliable, production-ready AI is no small feat.

Still, it’s hard not to be excited about where Apple Intelligence is headed. Apple appears to be laying a careful but deliberate foundation, and the features already available hint at how deeply AI could be woven into the Apple ecosystem in the years to come. The company is clearly just getting started – and the next few iterations of this technology could be genuinely transformative. If you’re considering whether to repair or replace your current iPhone to access these features, now may be a great time to evaluate your options.

Find your compatible device today with Gazelle!

You don’t need to break the bank to get in on the Apple Intelligence revolution. Here at Gazelle, we already offer many top-quality refurbished devices that are compatible with Apple Intelligence.

For instance, you can find a lightly used iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max in our inventory – both of which meet the A17 Pro chip requirement needed to run Apple Intelligence. We also carry iPhone 16 models as well as compatible iPad Air and iPad Pro models, all available today! Find your next device from Gazelle without paying top dollar, thanks to our 55-point inspection process and free 30-day return policy.

Comments

comments