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Apple AI with subscription and only with 12 GB RAM: these restrictions apply

Some AI features are only available on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air.
ⓘ Apple
Some AI features are only available on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air.
Apple's big AI offensive is here. Siri AI in chatbot format with a more natural voice is just the tip of the iceberg. Apple also allows you to generate or edit photos using AI, among other things. However, if you want to use all the features, you need the latest hardware – and a subscription.
Apple iOS

While iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27 receive performance improvements and design optimizations, Apple's focus is clearly on catching up with Windows and Android in terms of artificial intelligence. However, if you want to use all the features, there are three restrictions – region, hardware and subscription requirements.

Siri AI is only available on Mac in the EU

Apple once again leaves the European Union out of the equation, at least to some extent. This is because users from the EU cannot use Apple's chatbot on the iPhone or iPad for the time being. Interestingly, however, this does not apply to the Mac – if you switch macOS 27 to English, you can also use Siri AI in Europe. Other Apple Intelligence features, such as the ability to edit photos using AI, are also available in the EU.
 

Apple iPhone 17 Pro or Apple M3 are the new AI optimum

Apple Intelligence is still available on the iPhone 15 Pro (Max), on the iPhone 16, on Macs and iPads with Apple M1, on the MacBook Neo ($589 on Amazon) and on all newer models. However, if you want to use all the features, you need significantly more modern hardware, namely at least an iPhone 17 Pro (Max), an iPhone Air, an iPad with Apple M4 or a Mac with Apple M3 and at least 12 GB RAM.

Due to the RAM requirements, even the iPhone 17 is missing from this list. Those who meet these requirements can make use of Apple's new Foundation model, which runs directly on the device instead of on a server. At least for now, this model is only required for a few features, such as Siri's more natural voice, which can be personalized.

Subscription for power users

Not all AI features can be executed directly on the end device. Those who generate images, for example, do not use Apple's Foundation model, but Google Gemini. For this reason, there are daily usage limits for these features. An iCloud+ subscription is required to generate more images. The same applies to AI object recognition for smart home cameras in Apple Home. Apple has not yet confirmed which limits apply to which subscriptions.
 

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2026 06 > Apple AI with subscription and only with 12 GB RAM: these restrictions apply
Hannes Brecher, 2026-06- 9 (Update: 2026-06- 9)