Recently, Google announced the introduction of its Gemini AI assistant on Google TV. Concurrently, our sister site 9to5Google discovered signs that Gemini will soon be available for Wear OS, Google’s platform for smartwatches. In contrast, Apple devices such as Apple TV and Apple Watch still lack support for Apple Intelligence, leading many users to speculate on when this might change.
Apple’s Competitors Are Bringing AI to TVs and Smartwatches
Currently, Apple Intelligence functionalities are restricted to iPhones, iPads, and Macs, and even then, the available features are quite limited. Support for Apple Intelligence requires devices equipped with the A17 Pro chip (like the iPhone 15 Pro and iPad mini 7) or later, as well as the M1 chip and upwards.
Apple has indicated plans to expand the availability of Apple Intelligence to additional devices over time, but has not specified which devices will be next or the timeline for these updates. As of now, users of Apple TV, Apple Watch, HomePod, and even Apple Vision Pro are unable to utilize Apple Intelligence features. Let’s see what competitors have been up to.
As previously mentioned, Google unveiled its Gemini on Google TV at CES 2025. When discussing generative AI, many envision chatbots that can answer inquiries or generate text. Part of Gemini’s functionality on Google TV will involve these capabilities, with Google stating that its AI “will simplify searching through your media like never before.”
Moreover, there are some features aimed at improving the TV usage experience. For example, Gemini will allow families to create art together and request summaries of the day’s news. Google has also introduced AI-generated screensavers along with summaries for movies and shows.
On Wear OS, Gemini will facilitate more natural interactions with smartwatches, making it easier for users to engage with these devices in the absence of their smartphones.
Apple Intelligence for Apple TV and Apple Watch
Now, circling back to Apple, when can we expect Apple Intelligence on Apple TV and Apple Watch? The unfortunate truth is, likely not anytime soon, for two key reasons.
Firstly, the rollout of Apple Intelligence is occurring in stages. The initial phase introduced writing tools and text summarization features. The second phase included functionalities like Genmoji and Image Playgrounds, as well as ChatGPT integration with Siri. The third phase, anticipated by spring, will enable Siri to gain onscreen awareness and control actions across different applications.
However, most of these features may not be particularly beneficial for devices such as the Apple TV and Apple Watch. While having ChatGPT on the Apple Watch could be helpful in some scenarios, it doesn’t seem revolutionary. Onscreen awareness and enhanced voice-controlled app interactions are appealing, but these features haven’t yet reached the iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
It’s likely that Apple intends to refine the Apple Intelligence experience on existing devices before expanding the offering to others.
The second significant factor is hardware. As previously mentioned, Apple Intelligence relies on the latest chips, as most tasks are processed locally to ensure user privacy. Unless Apple develops lighter language models for the Apple TV and Apple Watch, the existing hardware may not support Apple Intelligence as it presently stands.
The most recent Apple TV, launched in 2022, houses the A15 chip, the same one found in the iPhone 13. Although there are rumors of a new Apple TV being scheduled for release in 2025, it remains uncertain when this will take place or if it will feature a chip compatible with Apple Intelligence. Users of the Apple Watch may need to wait until at least September for new hardware.
In summary, those anticipating Apple Intelligence on Apple TV and Apple Watch may need to bide their time a while longer. Meanwhile, we invite you to share your expectations for Apple Intelligence on these devices in the comments section below.
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