Forget the iPhone 16 Pro—Apple’s Got Something Way Better

 

So, the iPhone 16 Pro might be all about that "Apple Intelligence," but guess what? The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are totally in the mix for the new generative AI features, too. Why shell out extra cash for the latest and greatest when the 15 Pro models pretty much deliver the same experience? They’re just one generation behind and should be a bit cheaper, making them a great option for those wanting to dip their toes into Apple’s AI world.

Now, let’s talk about the latest buzz. As of September 29, everyone’s wondering what Apple Intelligence is really going to look like. Tim Cook and his team have laid out their vision around the iPhone 16 family, showcasing it at WWDC in June and again during the Glowtime launch in September. But here’s the kicker: the public hasn’t actually seen any of this generative AI in action on their iPhones yet. That’s supposed to change in October, but don’t expect the full experience for a while.

While we wait, it looks like Apple might pivot to other areas where AI could really shine. Mark Gurman, a well-known Apple reporter, pointed out two potential game changers. First up, there’s an upcoming homeOS for smart home products, and second, Apple is looking at AI to breathe new life into its mixed reality efforts—specifically through AirPods. Yup, they’re working on a new version of AirPods Pro that will use external cameras and AI to give users info about the world around them. It’s like smart glasses without the actual glasses!

Apple’s a bit late to the generative AI party, and while they’re committed to making it work on the iPhone, they might shuffle some resources around in the future. If you’re thinking about investing in the iPhone 16 hardware that’s all about Apple Intelligence, it might be worth waiting a bit.

Oh, and just a heads up: the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are currently the only models rocking the A17 Pro chipset. The standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are using the A16 chipset, while the iPhone 14 and older models are all running on the A15. And let’s not forget the third-gen iPhone SE, which also uses the A15. Rumor has it that Apple plans to refresh the iPhone SE in March 2025, so they’ll probably want to clear out the current stock.

Now, getting rid of the A17 iPhones doesn’t mean Apple’s completely done with the chipset. They’ll still need spare parts for years to come, so that’s a consideration. But by simplifying their lineup, they’re cutting down the complexity of their chipsets by about 25%. Depending on what specs the next iPhone SE has, that could go up to 40%.

It’s likely that this supply chain strategy influenced their decision, but there’s also a psychological aspect at play. With generative AI becoming a major selling point for smartphones, Apple has been slow to capitalize on it. Google dropped the AI-focused Pixel 8 and 8 Pro eight months ago, while Apple only introduced its version, awkwardly named Apple Intelligence, at WWDC. Next month, we’ll see the first taste of it, but the full package won’t arrive until March 2025—17 months after Android got its moment.

If you want in on the generative AI action with a new iPhone, your only option right now is the iPhone 16 family. With iPhone sales kind of flat lately, Apple is using the generative AI hype to push people into upgrading. Sure, Apple Intelligence will be backported to older models, but only those with the A17 chipset will get the full treatment.

And guess what? The only phones with that A17 chipset have just been axed. So, while existing owners are fine, anyone looking to upgrade to experience Apple Intelligence just lost a pretty solid option with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. You might snag one of those in an end-of-line sale soon, but that window won’t stay open for long. Bottom line: if you want the latest and greatest with Apple Intelligence, you’ll have to fork over for the priciest models on the market.