Apple plans to offer its advanced AI capabilities, known as Apple Intelligence, for free until at least 2027. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that the tech giant is still in the early stages of developing these advanced features, and a subscription service may not be introduced for another three years.
Current and Future AI Capabilities
At present, Apple Intelligence includes basic AI functions available at no cost. The company has ambitions to introduce more sophisticated features, but these won't be offered until the technology matures.
The initial batch of Apple Intelligence features is anticipated to roll out in October, though they might not be part of the iPhone 16 series, which is expected to launch in September. Additionally, a major Siri update is in the works, utilizing Apple Intelligence to boost functionalities like image generation, editing, and writing.
Beta Testing and User Feedback
Apple Intelligence will be introduced in a beta version this fall, signaling the company's careful consideration of the technology's reliability. Given AI's unpredictability, Apple is focused on enhancing the precision and quality of its outputs. Simpler tools such as writing aids and AI-generated summaries in Mail are performing well, but more complex features like image and emoji generators may need further refinement.
Gurman notes that the iPhone SE 4, expected in early 2025, might be compatible with Apple Intelligence. This would give the SE 4 an edge over the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, which lack the necessary hardware for these features. The inclusion of Apple Intelligence in future models could significantly increase their appeal to users.
Long-Term Plans and Subscription Model
Even if Apple rolls out a paid Apple Intelligence Plus subscription plan, the features previewed at WWDC24 are expected to remain free. A possible premium tier would introduce additional functionalities beyond the existing ones, for a monthly fee that is yet to be determined, rather than charging for the current features.
Apple intends to keep its existing AI features free while developing more advanced functions. A paid subscription tier for Apple Intelligence is unlikely to be introduced before 2027, ensuring that users will not incur additional costs for the next few years.
