Apple Intelligence arrived on compatible iPhones, iPads, and Macs via a staggered rollout. There were new features launched in both iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2. Now, we know exactly how much those additional features are costing in terms of iPhone storage space.
Apple Intelligence now requires 7GB of free storage per device
When the first wave of Apple Intelligence features arrived in iOS 18.1, Apple published a variety of requirements for use.
Among those requirements was 4GB of available iPhone storage space.
This made sense, because one of the privacy features of Apple Intelligence is that most of its features run on-device by default. And in order to do that, your device needs to download the AI models—which eats into your storage space.
We always knew that the 4GB requirement would increase over time, as more AI features debuted.
But now we know that it’s already almost doubled following iOS 18.2’s release.
Per Apple’s website, Apple Intelligence now requires 7GB of free storage.
The same 7GB number applies whether you’re using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
But it also, since each product does its own on-device processing, adds up for multi-device use.
If you want to use AI features across all three devices (which I’d assume most of us do), that’s a grand total of 21GB of free space being used by Apple Intelligence.
And unfortunately, if you’re tight on storage, there’s no way to reduce the requirement by disabling certain features.
Why the requirement increased, and what to expect in the future
iOS 18.2 introduced big new AI features, including:
Scanning this list, I understand why the storage requirement had to increase.
But as more Apple Intelligence features continue arriving, on-device storage is going to become more in-demand than ever before.
Looking ahead, Apple so far doesn’t appear to be adding new AI features to iOS 18.3—but new betas could change that.
Top comment by K
I guess Apple better increase base storage again or lower storage tier prices. I’m sure they’ll do that at the same time they increase the base free iCloud storage. /s
Really though I suppose at some point it may be possible, they did surprise with the 16GB RAM increase across the board on Macs.
In April’s iOS 18.4 release though, some big Siri changes are coming. Siri upgrades will undoubtedly bump the 7GB requirement even higher.
We could be looking at 10GB requirements per device in just the next few months, before any of iOS 19’s new features debut.
Big takeaway? It may be time to start upgrading the standard storage tier you opt for with your next iPhone, iPad, or Mac purchase.
Are you concerned about Apple Intelligence storage requirements? Let us know in the comments.
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