Top Apple AI Feature Expanding to More iPhone Models Soon

Visual Intelligence, which is Apple’s version of Google Lens, has been exclusive to the iPhone 16 series because it utilizes the Camera Control button. However, it seems Apple is preparing to expand this feature to additional iPhone models.

Visual Intelligence is Reportedly Coming to iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max

In a recent post by Daring Fireball, prominent Apple blogger John Gruber mentioned that Apple representatives confirmed that iPhone 15 Pro users will soon have access to Visual Intelligence via the Action Button. This feature will be available in a future software update, although no specific timeline was given. Gruber speculates that this update is iOS 18.4.

This announcement follows Apple’s recent unveiling of the budget-friendly iPhone 16e, which includes the Action Button, similar to the iPhone 15 series. Although it doesn’t have the Camera Control button (which activates Visual Intelligence on the iPhone 16 series), Apple has confirmed that the Action Button on the iPhone 16e will support Visual Intelligence, which can also be accessed through Control Center.

Given this, it’s logical for Apple to extend Visual Intelligence to the iPhone 15 Pro, as it too features an Action Button. Additionally, Apple representatives indicated that iPhone 15 Pro users can activate this feature from Control Center as well.

Why Didn’t the iPhone 15 Pro Get Visual Intelligence Sooner?

It becomes clear why Visual Intelligence is only reaching the iPhone 15 Pro models and not earlier models. Apple usually links its advanced features to devices with the latest hardware, in this case, the A17 Pro chip or newer. Besides the iPhone 16 series, only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max qualify.

However, it raises questions as to why Visual Intelligence wasn’t available right away for the iPhone 15 Pro when other advanced features were introduced. The iPhone 15 Pro was equipped with the same Action Button that the iPhone 16e uses to access Visual Intelligence, suggesting the hardware was already capable of supporting it.

So, why did Apple initially restrict Visual Intelligence to the iPhone 16 series and link it to the Camera Control button? It may have been a strategic move to encourage iPhone 15 Pro users to upgrade, or perhaps Apple wanted to wait until the iPhone 16e was launched. Regardless, Apple seems to operate on its own terms!

While the developer beta for iOS 18.4 could arrive any day now, the public beta is likely not scheduled until April. In the meantime, why not explore some alternatives for Apple Visual Intelligence that can be used on older models?