Apple Intelligence-powered Siri is very late, to say the least. That’s largely been because Apple has struggled to keep up with developing their own AI models. I’d say its largely played out this way because Apple has been hesitant to wanting to spend a lot of money, not to mention that Apple’s stance on privacy makes it hard to train a model – Apple just doesn’t have much data.
Nonetheless though, this delay actually comes with a bit of upside.
This week, Apple and Google announced that Gemini models will run on Apple’s private cloud compute servers to power future Apple Intelligence features, including the all-new Siri that was announced at WWDC24.
While this does cover the more intensive features, local models will still be a part of the picture. When announced at WWDC24, Apple Intelligence required an A17 Pro or later. That meant it was only available on the latest (and highest end) iPhone models: iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
More people will get to use Apple Intelligence Siri
All of this time passing means one thing: a lot more people have an Apple Intelligence-capable device.
Everyone who bought any iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 model at all in the past two years (plus anyone who already had an iPhone 15 Pro), will be able to use Apple Intelligence.
There’s now 11 Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone models that have had a fair share of time in the market. There were only 2 when the features initially debuted, or 6 if you add in the freshly-launched iPhone 16 models.
That’s a pretty big deal. When Apple Intelligence just launched, it almost felt like a selling point of the iPhone 16 series. Now, it’ll just be a free software update for devices that now take up a substantial portion of the iPhone customer base.
Wrap up
It’s hard to dig into the technical details of what new Apple Intelligence features will look like, since they’re yet announced. Local models will likely still carry a lot of lift, even with Google Gemini on Private Cloud Compute handling most Siri requests.
Top comment by Francis Strazzeri
Why am I not shocked by this fanboy site actually celebrating apple’s leading from behind strategy? This whole hot mess is the inevitable result of apple’s failures and their desperate attempts to mollify stockholders. Damage control is rarely a successful business strategy.
Ultimately though, whether a specific feature uses a local model or not, Apple will likely follow with the approach of all Apple Intelligence features requiring a device that can support local models.
When new Siri begins to roll out in iOS 26.4 this spring, and additional Apple Intelligence features roll out with iOS 27, there’ll be a much more positive story to be told, now that so many more iPhone users will get to experience it. Assuming all works well, at least.
My favorite Apple accessory recommendations:
- Anker MagSafe/Qi2 Ultra-Slim Battery Pack
- Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max
- MOFT MagSafe Wallet Stand, fits up to 3 cards
- Logitech MX Master 4 Mouse for Mac
- ESR CryoBoost 3-in-1 25W MagSafe Charging Stand
- AirPods Pro 3 (2x ANC vs AirPods Pro 2!)
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