Apple has officially entered the AI game with its iOS 18 update, unveiling Apple Intelligence as its take on AI-driven features. While this move was anticipated to kickstart a multi-year iPhone upgrade cycle with the introduction of so-called IntelliPhones, the reality is a bit different.

Here’s a closer look at what Apple Intelligence brings to the table:

– Apple’s AI features are not groundbreaking: Many of the AI-driven features introduced by Apple, such as Clean Up, have already been seen on Android devices from competitors like Samsung, Google, and Oppo.
– The most popular AI feature among users is a basic image editing tool that allows for easy removal of unwanted elements in photos.
– Apple’s Siri has been upgraded with OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology, real-time transcript and translate functions, and AI-powered content sorting capabilities.
– Despite these additions, Apple Intelligence is still a work in progress and will launch as a public beta test later this year.

The big question now is who will upgrade their iPhone for Apple Intelligence? Currently, the AI features are only available on the expensive iPhone 15 Pro models. Future iPhone models may inherit these features, but older models will require users to purchase a new handset for access.

While Apple treads carefully into the world of generative AI integration, it remains to be seen if these features will drive a supercycle of upgrades among iPhone users. The limited availability and scope of Apple Intelligence may not be enough to entice users to switch to newer models solely for AI capabilities.

In contrast, competitors like Oppo are focusing on democratizing AI by offering its features across a wider range of devices. For now, only high-end iPhones can take advantage of iOS 18’s AI enhancements, leaving others waiting to see if future models will make Apple Intelligence more accessible.

As we wait for further developments in the world of smartphone AI, it’s clear that Apple is taking a cautious approach. While the promise of “AI for the rest of us” sounds appealing, its current limitations suggest that widespread adoption may take some time.