Only these iPhone models are getting the new Siri AI this fall

Apple has confirmed that the new, AI-powered Siri will be available this fall exclusively on select iPhone, iPad, and Mac models equipped with Apple silicon. The upgrade is part of the upcoming iOS 27 release and aims to significantly improve Siri’s ability to handle complex queries and contextual requests, addressing longstanding limitations of the virtual assistant.

According to Apple, the new Siri AI will be supported on every iPhone released since the iPhone 15 Pro, including the 2024 iPad mini, which shares the same system-on-chip (SoC). Devices such as the iPhone 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air will benefit from more advanced on-device AI models, enabling better speech recognition, expressive voices, and more accurate dictation. The update will initially be available as a beta, with users likely needing to manually opt in, similar to previous developer beta testing for iOS 27.

Apple states that the new Siri AI is powered by Apple Foundation Models stored locally on the device, enhancing response times and privacy. Complex prompts will still be offloaded to cloud-based models through Private Cloud Compute, ensuring user data remains secure and inaccessible to others. Compatibility with iOS 27 extends support back to the iPhone 11, ensuring a broad user base can access the upgrade.

While earlier iterations of Apple’s AI features have been underwhelming, early hands-on impressions suggest that Siri AI is genuinely more useful, capable of understanding context and referencing personal data from notes, messages, emails, and photos. The company claims that the new models will deliver faster, more accurate responses, and richer voice options, especially on newer Pro models.

Implications of Selective Siri AI Support

This development is significant because it marks a shift in how Apple is deploying AI features, limiting the most advanced Siri capabilities to higher-end devices. For users with older iPhones, this could mean missing out on the most substantial improvements, potentially influencing upgrade decisions. It also underscores Apple’s focus on privacy-centric AI, leveraging on-device processing to enhance user data security while improving Siri’s intelligence.

Background of Siri AI Development and Apple Silicon Support

Apple announced its plans for a more powerful Siri AI at WWDC 2026, promising a substantial upgrade over previous versions. The company has since been gradually rolling out new AI features, but the latest update is notable for its device-specific support. The new Siri AI uses Apple Foundation Models stored locally, with complex processing offloaded to cloud-based models through Private Cloud Compute, emphasizing privacy. Compatibility extends back to the iPhone 11, but the most advanced features are reserved for newer, Pro-level devices with more RAM and processing power.

Prior to this, Siri had been criticized for limited contextual understanding and slow responses, with many features remaining underwhelming despite Apple’s investments. The upcoming update aims to address these issues with more natural, expressive voices and better integration with personal data, marking a significant step forward.

“The new Siri AI will deliver faster, more accurate responses and better contextual understanding, starting with iPhone 15 Pro and later models.”

— Apple spokesperson

Unconfirmed Details About Broader Device Support

It is still unclear whether lower-end iPhone models, such as the iPhone 14 series or older, will receive any version of the new Siri AI in the future. Apple has not yet specified if support might be extended beyond the initial rollout, or if certain features will be backported to older devices through software updates.

Additionally, details on the availability of the beta program, how users will opt in, and whether the upgrade will be pushed automatically or require manual activation remain to be clarified as the release approaches.

Next Steps for Users and Developers

Apple is expected to begin beta testing of iOS 27 with select developers and early adopters in the coming months. Users with compatible devices should watch for software updates and instructions on how to access the beta. The full, stable release of iOS 27, including the new Siri AI, is anticipated to launch this fall, likely alongside new hardware announcements.

Developers and early testers will be able to evaluate the new AI’s capabilities and provide feedback, which could influence final features and support. Apple may also clarify whether support will be extended to other devices or if further updates are planned for older models.

Key Questions

Which iPhone models will get the new Siri AI?

The new Siri AI will be supported on iPhone models released since the iPhone 15 Pro, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. Support for earlier models like the iPhone 14 series has not been confirmed.

Will older iPhones receive the Siri AI update?

Apple has not announced support for iPhones older than the iPhone 15 Pro. However, support is extended back to the iPhone 11 for iOS 27, but the most advanced features may be limited to newer, higher-end devices.

How can users access the beta version of Siri AI?

Users will likely need to enroll in the iOS 27 beta program and manually opt in to access the Siri AI beta, similar to previous beta testing procedures. Details are still being finalized by Apple.

Will the Siri AI upgrade improve performance on all devices?

The most significant improvements are expected on newer devices with more RAM and processing power, such as the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air. Older devices may see limited benefits.

When will the full version of Siri AI be available?

The full, stable release of iOS 27, including the new Siri AI, is expected this fall, likely coinciding with new iPhone hardware launches.

Source: Engadget