TL;DR
Apple’s new Siri AI will be available this fall exclusively on certain iPhone, iPad, and Mac models. Devices with Apple Silicon and recent releases will benefit from improved capabilities, but support is limited to newer hardware.
Apple has confirmed that the upcoming, significantly upgraded Siri AI will be available only on select iPhone, iPad, and Mac models this fall. This marks a shift toward more device-specific support for the new virtual assistant, with compatibility limited to devices powered by Apple Silicon and recent flagship models, starting with the iPhone 15 Pro series.
According to Apple, only devices released since the iPhone 15 Pro — including the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro — will receive the new Siri AI. The update will also extend to the 2024 iPad mini, which shares the same SoC as the iPhone 15 Pro, and Mac models equipped with Apple silicon. Devices such as the iPhone 11 and earlier will not support the upgrade, even if they run iOS 27.
Apple has indicated that the new Siri will initially be available as a beta, requiring users to opt in manually, similar to previous developer beta programs. The company emphasizes that the AI improvements include better understanding of context, referencing personal data, and faster responses, with some processing handled on-device for privacy and efficiency. Devices with more advanced hardware, like the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, will leverage more powerful on-device models, enabling richer voice options and more accurate dictation.
While Apple has not yet confirmed support for the upcoming iPhone 18 base model, rumors suggest that it may not include the necessary hardware for the most advanced AI features. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reported that Apple is increasing RAM in non-Pro models to 9GB, but the most powerful AI models require at least 12GB of RAM, indicating that support for the base iPhone 18 remains uncertain.
Impact of Limited Compatibility on Users
This selective rollout means that only newer, high-end devices will benefit from the most advanced Siri AI features, potentially widening the gap between older and newer iPhones. For users with compatible devices, the upgrade promises faster, more accurate, and more personalized virtual assistant experiences, which could influence purchasing decisions and user satisfaction. The hardware requirements highlight Apple’s focus on leveraging advanced on-device AI, but also raise questions about support for older devices and the overall accessibility of these improvements.
iPhone 15 Pro compatible accessories
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Background on Siri AI Development and Apple Silicon
Apple has long promised a more intelligent and capable Siri, but previous updates have fallen short of expectations. The company announced an improved version at WWDC 2026, emphasizing on-device processing and privacy. Support for the new Siri AI depends heavily on hardware capabilities, particularly the amount of RAM and processing power, which explains the limited device compatibility. The upgrade aligns with Apple’s broader push toward integrating AI more deeply into its ecosystem, but the hardware constraints mean not all users will benefit immediately.
“Apple’s new Siri AI will be available only on devices with specific hardware capabilities, focusing on recent flagship models and those with Apple Silicon.”
— an anonymous researcher
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Support for Future Devices and Base Model iPhone 18
It remains unclear whether the upcoming iPhone 18 base model will support the new Siri AI, given the hardware requirements and current rumors. Apple has not officially confirmed support for non-Pro models beyond the iPhone 15 series, and the exact specifications needed for full AI functionality are still under discussion. Additionally, the timeline for wider rollout to older devices remains uncertain.
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Next Steps for Users and Apple’s Rollout Plans
Apple will likely begin releasing the iOS 27 beta to developers soon, with the public beta following later this summer. Compatibility checks, including whether a user’s device is eligible, will be key. Once iOS 27 is officially launched in the fall, supported devices will receive the Siri AI update either automatically or through manual opt-in. Monitoring Apple’s official communications will be essential for users eager to access the new features.
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Key Questions
Which iPhone models will get the new Siri AI?
The new Siri AI will be available on iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and upcoming models like the iPhone 18 Pro, as well as the 2024 iPad mini and Mac devices with Apple silicon. Older iPhones, such as the iPhone 11 and earlier, will not support the upgrade.
Will all users need to manually enable the new Siri AI?
Yes, initially the new Siri AI will be available as a beta, and users will likely need to opt in manually via the Settings app once iOS 27 is released.
What hardware features enable the new Siri AI?
The new Siri AI relies on more powerful on-device models stored on Apple silicon, with requirements including at least 12GB of RAM for the most advanced features. Devices with less RAM may not support all functionalities.
Will support for older devices be added later?
It is not yet clear whether Apple plans to extend support to older devices beyond the initial rollout, but current indications suggest support will be limited to newer hardware.
How will the new Siri AI improve user experience?
The updated Siri will better understand context, reference personal data, and offer faster, more accurate responses, especially on newer devices with enhanced hardware capabilities.
Source: Engadget
