Apple Details iPadOS 18 Compatibility, Limits Advanced AI to Newer Models
Apple has announced iPadOS 18 compatibility, requiring models from 2018 onwards. However, its advanced "Apple Intelligence" features, including enhanced Siri, will be exclusive to iPads equipped with M4 chips and 12GB of RAM, primarily newer Pro and Air models, potentially segmenting its user base.
Key points
- Apple revealed iPadOS 18 will be compatible with iPad Pro (2nd gen+), iPad Air (4th gen+), iPad (9th gen+), and iPad mini (6th gen+).
- The most advanced "Apple Intelligence" features are restricted to iPads with M4 chips and at least 12GB of RAM.
- This includes upgrades to Siri and other AI-driven functionalities.
- Older supported models will receive the OS update but will not access these high-end AI capabilities.
- The announcement comes as Apple aims to integrate AI across its ecosystem, driving hardware upgrades for full functionality.
Apple has detailed the device requirements for its upcoming iPadOS 18 update. While a broad range of iPad models, dating back to 2018, will be eligible to receive the core operating system update, the company is placing significant restrictions on its most advanced features.
The new suite of "Apple Intelligence" capabilities, which includes a significantly overhauled Siri and other AI-powered functions, will only be available on iPads featuring the M4 chip and equipped with a minimum of 12GB of RAM. This effectively limits these cutting-edge features to the latest iPad Pro and higher-end iPad Air models.
Owners of older, yet still compatible, iPads will receive the iPadOS 18 update, but will be unable to access these computationally intensive AI enhancements. This strategy appears designed to encourage upgrades for users seeking the full AI experience, highlighting a growing trend in the tech industry to tie advanced software features to newer, more powerful hardware.
Sources
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