The introduction of generative AI features under Apple’s Intelligence offerings is expected to require a minimal amount of internal memory on iPhones. If you’re planning to buy the 128GB version of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, or iPhone 16 Pro, there’s little reason to worry about sacrificing too much storage. However, keeping some space free can make room for forthcoming features, so a little memory management might be necessary in the coming months.
To fully utilize the first wave of Apple Intelligence features, you’ll need to have at least 4GB of available space on your iPhone. Opting for a higher storage variant ensures you’re future-proofed for upcoming updates. The iOS 18.1 beta 5, which recently became available for developers, revealed that 4GB of onboard memory is the minimum requirement for running the suite of generative AI features. This news should provide relief for those with the 128GB versions of the iPhone 16 models. Owners of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which starts at 256GB of internal storage, will likely face no such concerns.
Curiously, while Apple has specified the storage requirements for iPhones, there’s no word yet on how much memory iPads and Macs will need to support Apple Intelligence. It’s possible Apple has different requirements that will be disclosed later. Rest assured, we’ll update you once those details emerge. It’s important to note that as more Apple Intelligence features are introduced, the storage demands are expected to increase.
For example, a new Siri experience that is part of Apple Intelligence is slated to arrive with the official release of iOS 18.3. By the time iOS 18.4 rolls out, we anticipate that the full suite of features will be available. Users should consider freeing up more storage space in preparation, though we hope the requirements won’t be overly stringent. It’s worth noting that Apple previously set the minimum RAM requirement to 8GB for iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus to run its generative AI features, a move that may have caught some users off guard.
Keep an eye on your device’s storage to ensure a smooth experience with Apple’s latest innovations.
