In context: When Apple Intelligence launched final yr with iOS 18.1, the corporate introduced a 4GB storage requirement for its AI-powered options, together with Visible Intelligence and Siri with ChatGPT integration. On the time, the requirement appeared affordable, provided that a lot of the processing happens domestically on the gadget to prioritize person privateness.
Quick ahead to final month’s launch of iOS 18.2, and the storage requirement for Apple Intelligence has jumped to a staggering 7GB of free area per gadget, in keeping with Apple’s web site. That is almost double the unique requirement in just some months.
The doubtless purpose? All of the shiny new AI options packed into iOS 18.2. These embody the Genmoji customized emoji creator, an AI picture generator referred to as Playground, the Visible Intelligence function for figuring out objects and locations, and, in fact, ChatGPT for textual content composition alongside a considerably smarter Siri.
These options are undoubtedly helpful for a lot of, however the 7GB storage requirement is a major hurdle – particularly for customers who wish to allow Apple Intelligence throughout a number of gadgets like an iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Collectively, that provides as much as a hefty 21GB of storage.
The irritating half is the dearth of flexibility. Customers cannot choose and select which AI options to allow, leaving them with restricted choices: improve to a better storage tier when shopping for new {hardware}, pay for extra iCloud storage, or forgo Apple Intelligence altogether.
Sadly, reduction would not look like on the horizon. Whereas iOS 18.3 would not introduce main new AI capabilities, Apple has introduced larger Siri upgrades for iOS 18.4 in April, which might push the storage necessities even increased.
Apple defends its method by emphasizing some great benefits of on-device AI processing, together with sooner efficiency, improved responsiveness, and enhanced privateness safety in comparison with cloud-based fashions. Nonetheless, these advantages come at the price of consuming area that would in any other case retailer pictures, movies, apps, or information.
For these scuffling with storage limitations, Apple does supply an opt-out. You’ll be able to fully disable Apple Intelligence by navigating to Settings > Apple Intelligence.
