CUPERTINO, January 12 — The latest updates to Apple Intelligence, rolled out in iOS 18.2, have nearly doubled the on-device storage requirements for its AI-powered features. Initially requiring 4GB of free space when launched with iOS 18.1, Apple’s website now confirms that 7GB of storage is needed per device to accommodate advanced functionalities such as Genmoji, ChatGPT integration in Siri, and Visual Intelligence.
This requirement applies universally to iPhones, iPads, and Macs, creating a cumulative demand of 21GB for users who utilize Apple Intelligence across all three devices. Apple’s commitment to privacy by performing AI processing on-device contributes to the storage demand. While no immediate AI additions are expected in iOS 18.3, upcoming Siri upgrades in iOS 18.4 could push storage requirements even higher, potentially reaching 10GB per device later this year.
The rapid expansion of Apple Intelligence’s capabilities highlights the growing importance of storage capacity for users embracing these AI features. As Apple continues to innovate, managing device storage will be critical for customers seeking to fully leverage its ecosystem’s advancements.
