The rollout of Apple Intelligence has begun for compatible iPhones, iPads, and Macs, delivering new features with the releases of iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2. We now have clarity on the storage implications of these additional features on your iPhone.
Apple Intelligence now demands 7GB of free storage per device
When Apple Intelligence was first introduced in iOS 18.1, various requirements were laid out by Apple for its usage.
Among these was a specification of 4GB of free space needed on iPhones.
This requirement was understandable, as a key privacy feature of Apple Intelligence involves running most operations directly on the device. To facilitate this, the AI models must be downloaded, which consumes device storage.
It was anticipated that the initial 4GB storage requirement would rise over time with the launch of more AI features.
Now we’ve learned that the requirement has nearly doubled with the introduction of iOS 18.2.
According to Apple’s official site, Apple Intelligence now necessitates 7GB of free storage.
This same 7GB requirement holds true for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users alike.
Furthermore, since each device processes data locally, the storage needs can accumulate for users with multiple devices.
If you intend to utilize AI features across all three platforms—which is likely for many—the total storage requirement often adds up to 21GB.
Sadly, if you find yourself low on storage, there’s currently no method to lower this requirement by disabling certain features.
Reasons for the increased requirement and future expectations
The iOS 18.2 update brought significant new AI capabilities, including:
Reviewing the enhancements, it is clear why the storage requirement has escalated.
However, as Apple Intelligence continues to evolve, the demand for on-device storage will likely increase substantially.
Looking to the future, it seems that Apple might not be introducing new AI features with iOS 18.3, although upcoming beta releases could potentially alter this.
However, major updates to Siri are anticipated in the April release of iOS 18.4, which will likely push the storage requirement beyond 7GB.
In a matter of months, we may see the demand rise to 10GB per device, especially before the arrival of any new features in iOS 19.
The bottom line? It might be wise to consider choosing a higher storage tier with your next iPhone, iPad, or Mac purchase.
Are you worried about the storage demands posed by Apple Intelligence? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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