Apple unveiled its groundbreaking AI system, Apple Intelligence, at WWDC, promising to revolutionize how we interact with our devices. But which Macs are equipped to harness this power? This guide provides a comprehensive list of compatible Macs and the requirements for utilizing Apple Intelligence.
Apple showing the different devices that Apple Intelligence works on.
Apple showcased its vision for the future of computing with the introduction of Apple Intelligence, integrating AI capabilities across its ecosystem. Let’s delve into the specifics of Mac compatibility and what you need to get started.
Compatible Macs and Chip Requirements
Apple has clearly outlined the Mac models compatible with Apple Intelligence, emphasizing the necessity of Apple silicon. The following Macs meet the criteria:
- MacBook Air: M1 and later
- MacBook Pro: M1 and later
- iMac: M1 and later
- Mac mini: M1 and later
- Mac Studio: M1 Max and later
- Mac Pro: M2 Ultra
Apple
Essentially, any Mac equipped with an M-series chip, regardless of generation (M1, M2, etc.), supports Apple Intelligence. This broad compatibility extends to Macs released as far back as 2020, ensuring a wide range of users can experience the benefits of Apple’s AI. This inclusive approach contrasts sharply with competitors like Microsoft, whose Copilot+ requires specific hardware, often necessitating an upgrade.
Identifying Your Mac’s Chip
Unsure which chip powers your Mac? Easily determine your Mac’s specifications by clicking the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and selecting “About This Mac.” A window will appear displaying your Mac’s model, year, chip, and other relevant information. Cross-reference this information with the compatibility list above to confirm Apple Intelligence support.
Intel Mac Compatibility
Unfortunately, Intel-based Macs are excluded from Apple Intelligence support. The older Intel chips lack the necessary processing power and the dedicated Neural Processor found in Apple silicon, crucial for handling the complex machine learning workloads demanded by Apple Intelligence. The on-device processing capabilities of Apple Intelligence require the robust architecture of the M-series chips, making older Intel Macs insufficient for this demanding task.
Apple Intelligence on Other Devices
A person demonstrating the new Siri revamped with Apple Intelligence at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.
Apple Intelligence extends beyond Macs, encompassing iPhones and iPads as well. Compatibility for these devices includes:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max with A17 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro with A17 Pro
- iPad Pro: M1 and later
- iPad Air: M1 and later
Notably, the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, while recent releases, lack the A17 Pro chip and its AI-optimized capabilities, rendering them incompatible. However, iPads require only an M1 chip or later, mirroring the broader Mac compatibility.
Apple Intelligence Features and Functionality
Apple Intelligence features.
Apple Intelligence seamlessly integrates AI across Apple’s operating systems, enhancing existing apps and introducing groundbreaking features. From summarizing notifications and organizing emails to advanced photo editing tools, Apple Intelligence streamlines workflows and empowers users.
Furthermore, Apple Intelligence embraces generative AI, enabling the creation of personalized emoji (Genmoji), stylistic email rewriting, and image generation based on personal photos and contacts. Siri also receives a substantial upgrade, leveraging AI for contextual conversation understanding and seamless integration with other apps and files.
Conclusion
Apple Intelligence represents a transformative leap in Apple’s ecosystem, necessitating an understanding of device compatibility. This guide provides a clear overview of which Macs support Apple Intelligence, focusing on the requirement of Apple silicon (M-series chips). By checking your Mac’s specifications, you can ascertain whether you’re ready to experience the future of AI-powered computing. This comprehensive understanding of Apple Intelligence compatibility empowers users to make informed decisions about their devices and embrace the potential of this revolutionary technology.
