Tech Desk 
Jun 03, 2024
Apple is preparing to introduce a range of AI-powered tools at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) next week, but only the latest iPhone 15 Pro models will be able to fully utilise these features.
The rumours suggest the iPhone 15 Pro is required to run advanced AI routines, outperforming older models. The decision to limit AI capability to the latest iPhone Pro models may seem surprising, but it's likely a strategic move by Apple to boost sales of its new handsets.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are the only models equipped with the powerful A17 Pro chipset, which features a faster CPU, GPU, and neutral engine. These components are necessary to run the on-device LLMs (Large Language Models) and generative AI routines that Apple will introduce.
While older iPhone models may not be able to fully utilise the new AI tools, Apple can offer cloud-based solutions to offload some AI routines. This approach is already being used by some Android manufacturers to provide AI capabilities on less specialised hardware. However, Apple is likely to emphasise the privacy implications of cloud-based AI and how its approach mitigates those risks.
The limitation of AI capabilities in the latest iPhone Pro models can be seen as a marketing ploy to encourage users to upgrade to the latest handsets. However, it also highlights the importance of hardware upgrades in delivering a capable AI solution. Apple's focus on AI is likely to centre around helping users with features like better image processing, natural responses from Siri, and more accurate image processing.
