Using the features of Apple's new artificial intelligence or AI system 'Apple Intelligence' requires downloading a large amount of data on the iPhone and iPad. Technology analysts believe that this process can cause storage problems in devices.
AI features developed by Apple are designed to work directly on the user's device, so that this data does not go to the cloud and is not accessible to third parties. While these new features provide security and privacy benefits, there are also some problems associated with this system. In order to use the AI features, many large files have to be downloaded to the device.
The first phase of Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.1 required 4 GB of free storage on iPhone and iPad to run. However, after the introduction of new features in iOS 18.2 in late 2024, the demand for free storage increased to 7 GB. That means the amount of space the system takes up on the device has almost doubled in four months with the new update. This system has powerful content creation features like Genmoji, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence, ChatGPT.
However, more powerful features such as a completely redesigned Siri assistant are coming soon, which could further increase storage demand.
The lowest storage configuration of the iPhone 16 is 128 GB. But much of that storage can now be allocated only to Apple Intelligence features. The more advanced the Apple Intelligence feature, the more storage it occupies. As a result, users have to put a lot of thought into what iPhone features they will adopt and what apps, files, games and photos they will keep on their devices.
However, this increased pressure on Apple Intelligence's storage needs is becoming more severe. Because very few people are actually excited about these features. A survey found that 73 percent of iPhone users who use Apple Intelligence say it doesn't make much of a difference or add value to their phone experience. Apart from this, several users have complained that the system drains the battery more.
Thus, users may have to worry more about storage management. Especially when newer and more powerful features come to iPhone and iPad.
