HIGHLIGHTS

iOS 18.2 now mandates a minimum of 7GB of free storage for utilizing Apple Intelligence features such as Siri, Genmoji, and Writing Tools.

The operation of Apple Intelligence features demands on-device data processing, resulting in substantial storage requirements for advanced AI models.

iOS 18.4 is anticipated to further heighten storage needs with a significant upgrade to Siri’s AI capabilities, making higher storage capacity devices more appealing.

This fall, Apple Intelligence features have undoubtedly captured widespread interest. The company is continuously integrating cutting-edge AI functionalities into its iPhones, which has subsequently increased the necessity for available storage space. Apple has outlined that to fully utilize the new Apple Intelligence features—including the ChatGPT-powered Siri, Genmoji, and Writing Tools—users must ensure they have at least 7GB of free storage accessible.

This shift in storage necessity comes after Apple recently updated its support documentation, indicating that devices operating on iOS 18.2 must possess a minimum of 7GB of free storage to successfully activate and utilize the Apple Intelligence features. Interestingly, this storage requirement was initially set at a lower threshold of 4GB.

With the latest iOS 18.2 update, Apple has introduced a variety of new features, notably Visual Intelligence and Image Playground. These functionalities operate directly on users’ devices, which is aimed at safeguarding data privacy and enhancing performance, but inevitably increases the storage requirements. The necessity for users to download comprehensive AI models contributes significantly to the demand for storage space.

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It’s worth noting that all Apple devices—including iPhones, iPads, and Macs—support these newly introduced features. Consequently, regardless of the specific model, all devices require ongoing free space across the board to function correctly. This clarifies the need for users to maintain adequate storage capacity to effectively enable and utilize all Apple Intelligence features. Once users meet the storage requirements, they must accept all features, as there’s no option to selectively activate or deactivate these functionalities.

Looking ahead, Apple plans to roll out even more advanced AI features in forthcoming updates for eligible devices. Nonetheless, this update might not be imminent; preliminary reports suggest that iOS 18.3 will primarily address minor improvements and bug fixes. The iOS 18.4 version, however, is projected to introduce a substantial rework of Siri’s AI capabilities, potentially raising the storage requirements even further.

For those with devices experiencing limited storage capacity, leveraging iCloud services can be an advantageous solution. If you’re considering the purchase of a new iPhone, opting for models with higher storage capacity could be a practical choice, ensuring uninterrupted access to Apple Intelligence features and functionalities.