A feature that Apple Intelligence is yet to master is the efficacy of summarising texts and notifications. From its launch, the required storage space for the feature is escalated from 4GB to 7GB in just four months.
The available requirements of storage space can be traced back to the two major updates: iOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2. Both build on previous versions, including all original features that debuted in iOS 18.1 and Sequoia 15.1. Toward the end of the month, the update revealed two other generative AI features, namely Image Playground and Genmoji.
While processing remains on-device, the models necessary to support said features are stored locally. Access to these features is limited to devices that use Apple proprietary chipsets. Only devices with M1, A17, or later chip can take advantage of Apple Intelligence.
While this method of on-device processing does provide some benefits for user privacy, it has a significant drawback. Each time a new feature is added to Apple Intelligence, users can expect their available storage to decrease. Apple has plans to upgrade Siri using AI in due time, which means this storage growth trend will likely continue with future updates.
Besides the increasing requirement of storage space, there are other factors affecting the Apple Intelligence. A survey had shown that 73% of iPhone users, who have tried the feature, feel that it adds little or no value to their device experience.
There are also complaints of high power consumption caused by Apple Intelligence operations. Currently, the most apparent ability of the feature is giving nonsensical summaries of news articles. Now users have an increased storage need as well as repeated charging issues because of the inefficiencies of the technology.