Apple Intelligence, a feature that summarizes texts and notifications, takes up more unused storage space. When it launched in September 2024, it required 4GB of available storage. Four months later, it needs 7GB, nearly doubling the space on a device.
The increase in storage requirements appeared with a December update, which expanded the initial Apple Intelligence features debuting with iOS 18.1 and Sequoia 15.1. The update introduced Image Playground, which creates images based on user prompts, and Genmoji, allowing users to create custom emojis. These features require a lot of space because Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing. This means the models that power these features must be stored on the device.
Only devices with Apple’s own chipsets, either A17 or higher, get access to these features.
Apple AI demands more storage
While other chipsets could handle the processing, Apple wants its AI functionality to run as smoothly as possible.
On-device processing offers some privacy benefits, but it also means that storage space is likely to shrink every time a new Apple Intelligence feature is rolled out. As Apple continues to focus on AI for future operating system updates, users can expect their available storage space to keep diminishing. The increasing demand for storage for Apple Intelligence is becoming a concern for users.
A survey found that 73% of iPhone owners who have tried Apple Intelligence said it adds “little to no value” to their phone experience. Users have also started complaining about increased battery consumption associated with Apple Intelligence operations. For now, it seems Apple’s AI capabilities mainly offer more functionality at the cost of a significant chunk of storage space and more frequent charging.
