Apple Intelligence and Siri AI require 14GB of free space on select iPhone models

Apple Intelligence can now require up to 14GB of on-device storage on certain newer iPhones running iOS 27, nearly double the 8GB requirement that applies to most supported models running Apple's currently available Apple Intelligence features.

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Apple's updated support documentation lists the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air as requiring up to 14GB of storage for the latest Apple Intelligence features. Other compatible iPhones require up to 8GB. 9to5Mac reports that the newer iPhone 18 Pro lineup and iPhone Duo also fall into the higher-storage category because they support the same advanced on-device AI capabilities.

The larger storage requirement is tied to two features available on Apple's most recent generations, and these features require more capable on-device models to run: Siri AI voice customization, which allows users to adjust expressiveness and speaking pace, and improved dictation accuracy. These capabilities require a more powerful local AI model, increasing the storage Apple reserves for Intelligence.

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Apple Intelligence runs many features directly on the device, meaning the necessary AI models must be stored locally rather than relying entirely on cloud processing. As those models become more capable, their storage requirements are also increasing.

For most Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhones, the requirement remains capped at 8GB. However, for users with devices supporting Apple's most advanced local models, who are the type of smartphone owner who is always nearing their maximum storage capacity, it might be time to clear out that Photos app of your 4K videos ahead of the full AI suite in iOS 27.

Frequently Asked Questions

Open a question for an answer from TweakTown's coverage of this news, or ask your own below.

Question #1

What Apple Intelligence features are driving the higher storage requirement on newer iPhones?

The higher storage requirement comes from Siri AI voice customization and improved dictation accuracy. Those features rely on more capable on-device AI models, so Apple reserves more local storage for them on the newer iPhones.

Question #2

How much storage do other Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhones still need compared with the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air?

Other Apple Intelligence-compatible iPhones still need up to 8GB of storage. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air are the ones listed at up to 14GB for the latest Apple Intelligence features.

Question #3

What does Apple say about Apple Intelligence storage needs on iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and visionOS 27?

Apple only gives a storage figure for select iPhones, saying Apple Intelligence can require up to 14GB there, or up to 8GB on most other supported iPhones. For iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and visionOS 27, it lists compatible devices for Siri AI but does not state separate Apple Intelligence storage requirements. The supported devices named are iPad mini with A17 Pro and iPads with M1 or later, Macs with M1 or later, and any Apple Vision Pro.

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Siri AI requirements

To use Siri AI, you need an Apple Intelligence - capable iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or Apple Vision Pro with device language and Siri language set to a supported language:

• iOS 27 on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 models or later, and iPhone Air
• iPadOS 27 on iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad models with M1 or later
• macOS 27 Golden Gate on MacBook Neo (A18 Pro) and Mac with M1 or later
• watchOS 27 on Apple Watch Series 9 or later, Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later, and Apple Watch SE 3, when paired with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone nearby
• visionOS 27 on any Apple Vision Pro