UMVA has learned that Apple's highly anticipated Apple Intelligence system, touted as a game-changer for iPhone users, has been marred by a stunning revelation: not all devices touted as "AI-capable" will actually be able to run the full suite of features.
The iPhone 16 Pro, which was explicitly marketed by Apple as its most advanced AI-capable iPhone, will not be compatible with all of the latest Apple Intelligence features. This bombshell was dropped during WWDC 2026, when Apple's Craig Federighi revealed that the "most powerful on-device model" would only be available on the latest and greatest devices, including the iPhone 17 Pro.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the features that will be limited to the iPhone 17 Pro include expressive Siri voices and more advanced dictation. However, it's unclear what other features will be exclusive to the newer device, leaving iPhone 16 Pro users like the author feeling frustrated and disappointed.
The iPhone 16 Pro, which was released with great fanfare, was touted as a major upgrade from previous models, with a new camera system, high-refresh-rate display, and faster performance. But the lack of compatibility with the full range of Apple Intelligence features is a major letdown, especially for users who were excited about the prospect of using AI-powered tools on their device.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Apple's decision to limit the features to newer devices has left many users feeling duped. The company's marketing efforts had created a sense of excitement and anticipation around the Apple Intelligence system, only to dash those hopes for users with older devices.
The situation is particularly galling given that Apple specifically called out the iPhone 16 Pro as being "Built for Apple Intelligence." It's unclear what other features will be limited to the iPhone 17 Pro, but it's clear that users with older devices will be missing out on some of the most exciting aspects of the Apple Intelligence system.
UMVA has gathered that Apple's ambitions for its AI system may have grown over time, leading to the decision to limit certain features to newer devices. However, this doesn't change the fact that users who bought their devices in good faith, expecting them to be fully compatible with the Apple Intelligence system, feel let down.
The lack of transparency around which features will be available on which devices has created a sense of uncertainty and frustration among users. It's clear that Apple needs to do more to address these concerns and provide clarity on what users can expect from its AI-powered devices.
