Apple's Big AI Features: Free for Now, But Not Forever

Apple just came up with the new AI offering referred to as ‘Apple Intelligence’ that comprises several features. As of yet, the features are reportedly offered for free on iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia. But, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, it will not be free to use as a tool indefinitely.

As per Gurman, Apple to a certain extent will bifurcate Apple Intelligence into two levels. One of them will be free of cost but will come with a restricted feature set while the paid version will introduce the full complement of the AI capabilities on iPhone, iPad and Mac. According to Gurman’s claims, Apple plans to name the paid version as ‘Apple Intelligence+’ .

Further, he mentions that Apple is likely to experience more revenues from this paid services than from equipments’ sales. Therefore, Apple Intelligence holds importance primarily. He also mentioned that Apple wants to reduce the subscription revenue from AI partners who opt for integration into its products.

Regarding the iPhones, Apple Intelligence is expected to support iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models. The iPhone 16 series, Mac, and iPad with the M-series chip are also expected to attract Apple’s AI in the next releases.

In another report, Gurman shared that Apple’s other goals include implementing AI to Vision Pro mixed reality headset. But it is not expected to be implemented any time soon. The primary concern here is about the appearance of this feature in mixed reality and not on a Macbook or iPhone.

Apple Intelligence

With Apple Intelligence, one’s iPhones can, for example, prioritize notifications. Some of the aspects of writing tools include summarizing feature, correction functionality and suggestion feature.

The ‘Image Playground’ feature will also let you create images for the first time without charging you any fee, just like Meta AI. Apple Intelligence can take actions on your behalf.

The Apple Intelligence can be asked to open some certain files, play podcasts audio from a contact, etc. This will enable it to look at the context and intervene in a manner that is relevant to the situation.