Apple announced a new strategic direction that will impact millions of owners of relatively recent iPhone models. The company has confirmed that its new and highly anticipated artificial intelligence suite, Apple Intelligence, will not be compatible with the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus and the 3rd generation iPhone SE. The decision, based on hardware limitations, effectively creates a division between the brand’s devices, leaving out devices launched less than two years ago.
The main reason for deletion is processing power. The Apple Intelligence requires, at a minimum, the A17 Pro chip, currently only present in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models. The iPhone 14 and SE models use the A15 Bionic chip, which, while still extremely capable for everyday tasks, lacks the neural processing power needed to run the complex language models and AI algorithms directly on the device, a pillar of the company’s privacy strategy.
This move generated significant debate among consumers, many of whom purchased their devices with the expectation that they would receive all major software updates for several years. Apple’s decision signals a new phase in its product cycle, where access to cutting-edge features is increasingly tied to the latest and, consequently, more expensive hardware, encouraging a faster device update rate.
iPhone models that are left out of the update
The list of devices that will not receive Apple Intelligence is specific and affects a considerable user base. The devices excluded from Apple’s new AI era are the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, both launched in the second half of 2022. Surpreendentemente, even the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 the hardware requirement. The other notable model on the exclusion list is the iPhone SE (3rd generation), the entry-level model of the Apple, which also operates with the A15 Bionic chip. Para million people who invested in these devices, the news represents an early functional devaluation of their devices, as they will not be able to take advantage of the main software innovation presented by the company.
This feature segmentation is a notable change in policy from Apple, which has historically offered the majority of iOS updates to a wide range of older devices. The new approach suggests that the complexity of on-device generative artificial intelligence requires a leap in performance that only the most advanced chips can provide. The strategic decision aims, in part, to further differentiate the “Pro” line from the rest of the portfolio, making it the only option for users who want the full, more advanced experience that the Apple has to offer, which can directly influence future purchasing decisions and the resale value of non-compatible models.
The A17 Pro chip requirement
The technical barrier to executing Apple Intelligence is Neural Engine, a processor component dedicated to machine learning tasks. Segundo to Apple, the Neural Engine of the A17 Pro chip, present in the iPhone 15 Essa power is essential for processing large language models locally, ensuring that user data remains private and secure on the device, without the need to constantly send it to the cloud.
Models equipped with the A15 Bionic, such as the iPhone 14 line and the SE 3, although efficient, do not reach the performance level necessary for this new class of features. Apple argues that trying to run Apple Intelligence on inferior hardware would result in a slow and unsatisfactory experience, compromising the quality the brand is known for. Portanto, the company chose to limit the resource to devices that can deliver it with the expected performance.
Apple Intelligence features unavailable
Users of affected models will lose access to a robust set of AI tools built into the operating system. One of the main losses will be the new Siri, which will become more contextual and conversational, capable of understanding and acting on complex commands related to the content on the screen.
Another important feature is the Ferramentas of Escrita (Writing Tools), which offer the ability to rewrite, summarize and revise texts in applications such as Essas tools use language models to intelligently improve user communication.
Imaging, known as Image Playground, will also be exclusive to supported models. Essa functionality will allow users to create original images in different styles directly in messaging and notes apps, a popular capability on other AI platforms.
Finally, the intelligent organization of notifications and the ability to create personalized emojis (Genmoji) based on text descriptions are other innovations that will not reach devices with older chips, deepening the functional divide between iPhone generations.
The strategy behind the decision
Apple’s decision is not purely technical; it carries a strong strategic component. By tying its biggest software innovation in years to its most expensive hardware, the company creates a powerful incentive for consumers to upgrade to the Pro models or future generations of iPhones.
This tactic aims to boost sales of higher-margin devices and accelerate the smartphone replacement cycle, which has been lengthening in recent years. Apple is betting that artificial intelligence will be such a significant differentiator that users will be willing to invest in a new device to avoid being left behind.
The future of older iPhones
Although iPhones 14 and SE 3 will not receive Apple Intelligence, they will be updated to iOS 18 and will have access to other system improvements, such as new home screen customization options and improvements in applications such as Fotos and Mensagens. However, the absence of the main set of functionalities marks the beginning of its planned obsolescence in terms of cutting-edge software.
It is likely that with the release of future versions of iOS such as iOS 19 and iOS 20, the dependence on powerful hardware for AI capabilities will become even greater. Isso means that the functional gap between newer and older models tends to increase, consolidating Apple’s new software segmentation policy.
Implications for the used car market
This new software policy could have a direct impact on the used iPhone market. Modelos like the iPhone 14, which until then were considered excellent purchase options in the used car market, may suffer a more pronounced devaluation. The lack of AI features could become a deciding factor for buyers looking for a device with greater functional longevity.
On the other hand, demand for pre-owned models from the Pro line, such as the iPhone 15 Pro, may increase, as they represent the most affordable entry point to the full Apple Intelligence experience. The market must adjust to this new reality, where compatibility with AI becomes one of the main attributes in assessing the value of a used iPhone.
Rumors about the next iPhone SE
The future of Apple’s entry-level line, the iPhone SE, becomes even more interesting in this new scenario. Rumores indicate that the fourth generation iPhone SE, scheduled to be launched soon, may adopt a more modern design, similar to the iPhone 14, and possibly a newer chip. The big question that remains is whether the new chip will be powerful enough to support the Apple Intelligence, or whether the Apple will keep its more affordable model a step behind in terms of AI capabilities to protect sales of its flagship lines.
What to expect for the future
Apple’s decision to restrict Apple Intelligence sets a new precedent for the technology industry. The move forces consumers to consider not just a device’s current performance, but also its ability to support future waves of software innovation, especially in the field of artificial intelligence. For Para owners of the affected models, the choice will be between continuing with a functional, but limited, device or joining the upgrade cycle to have access to the latest in the Apple ecosystem. The trend is for AI to become increasingly central to the user experience, making this decision increasingly relevant in the coming years.