Some iPhones, iPads, and Macs Won’t Get Apple Intelligence – Is Yours on the List?
Excitement at Apple’s WWDC 2025 out of (I can only imagine) would have been palpable following the launch of Apple Intelligence, the company’s long-promised arrival into the field of AI. But before you start imagining Siri writing your emails or even jotting a live digest of your day, there’s a huge catch not all Apple devices will have access to this feature, even with the freshest software updates.
Yes, you read that right. And even with iOS 26, iPadOS 26 or macOS 26, a large segment of Apple users will be excluded from the AI party.
Let’s break it down device by device.
iPhones That Won’t Get Apple Intelligence
You’d think the iPhone 15 would at least be on the guest list for Apple Intelligence. But only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will receive access, strangely enough.
Here’s what won’t get Apple Intelligence:
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- All iPhones before iPhone 15 series, including:
- iPhone 14, 13, 12 (all variants)
- Even earlier iPhone Pro models like 13 Pro, 12 Pro Max, etc.
Why? Apple’s AI features depend heavily on on-device processing that requires powerful chips in its devices. So if your iPhone doesn’t contain the A17 Pro chip, it’s done.
iPads Left Out of the AI Revolution
Not all iPads are equal in the eyes of Apple, or in those of the law. Apple Intelligence needs at least an M1 chip (or in rare cases the A17 Pro) which excludes many iPads.
Devices not supported include:
- iPad (9th & 10th generation)
- iPad Air (4th gen and earlier)
- iPad mini (5th or 6th gen, unless it has A17 Pro)
- iPad Pro with A12Z or A14 chips
So, even if your iPad is running the latest update, iPadOS 26, you won’t get any AI features unless it’s got an M1 or better inside.
MacBooks Missing Out
MacBook users brace yourself.
Apple Intelligence will be available only on models of MacBook Air and Pro with M1 chips or later. That’s a hard stop for every single one of those Intel-based MacBooks still being used today.
Here’s what’s excluded:
- MacBook Air (Intel-based, pre-2020)
- MacBook Pro (Intel models)
No M1? No AI.
Older Macs Also Left Behind
The desktop Macs aren’t immune to this exclusivity, either. If you’ve got an iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, or Mac Pro and it doesn’t have Apple Silicon (M1, M2, or later), you won’t ever get Apple Intelligence.
Devices excluded:
- Intel-based iMacs
- Mac mini (pre-M1)
- Mac Pro and Studio without Apple Silicon
Why This Matters
Apple is apparently quite plainly demarcating the two sides of the divide among “modern” vs. “legacy” devices, one that its own custom chips are the standard upon which it is to be drawn. The bottom line is that AI wants Apple Silicon.
It’s strategic: It will force more iOS users to get the latest hardware and enables Apple to construct and optimize AI features within an extremely controlled environment.
Takeaway: Check Before You Update
iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 will deliver news UI tweaks, improvements and a few extras and Apple Intelligence will the exclusive domain of models powered by M1, A17 Pro or newer chips.
If you’re hoping to take advantage of Apple’s new AI features, you’ll want to confirm that your iPhone is on the right list or be prepared to upgrade.
Summary Devices That Won’t Get Apple Intelligence
| Device Category | Unsupported Models |
|---|---|
| iPhone | iPhone 15, 15 Plus, all earlier models including Pro versions |
| iPad | Any iPad without M1 or A17 Pro (e.g., iPad 9/10th gen, older Air/mini) |
| MacBook | Intel-based MacBook Air & Pro |
| Mac Desktops | iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro without M1 or later |
Watch this space on Hacking Bharat for detailed splits of the Apple Intelligence features, apps that play along, and upgrade recommendations for Indian users.
Got an old iPhone or Mac? Are you planning to upgrade just for AI? Let us know in the comments or join the discussion on Twitter/X and Instagram @HackingBharat.
