Apple’s most advanced on-device AI features in iOS 27 come with a new hardware requirement: 12GB of memory.
That’s notable because the standard iPhone 17 includes 8GB of RAM, which means some of the latest Apple Intelligence capabilities won’t be available on Apple’s entry-level flagship.
Until now, Apple Intelligence has largely targeted devices with at least 8GB of memory. With iOS 27, Apple is introducing a more capable on-device AI model that raises that requirement to 12GB.
The change creates a new split within Apple’s lineup. Devices with 12GB or more memory can access the full set of supported features, while models with 8GB remain limited to existing Apple Intelligence capabilities.
Among the devices that qualify are the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, along with select iPads and Macs equipped with sufficient memory. Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip also supports the new model.
For users, the most visible additions are enhanced Siri voices and a more advanced dictation system.
The new Siri options allow users to adjust the assistant’s speaking style and pace, while the upgraded dictation engine can automatically handle punctuation, capitalization, and formatting with greater accuracy.
Both features run on Apple’s latest on-device AI model and require the additional memory.
The change doesn’t make older Apple Intelligence features disappear, nor does it prevent 8GB devices from using Apple’s AI tools altogether. Instead, it establishes a new tier of capabilities that depends on more RAM.
That’s worth keeping in mind for anyone planning an upgrade. Memory has traditionally been a specification most iPhone buyers rarely considered.
As Apple continues expanding its on-device AI ambitions, it may become one of the more important differences between models.
