Experts are suggesting that Apple may introduce premium artificial intelligence (AI) features related to Apple Intelligence and charge users between $10 and $20 per month for access. Currently, AI features are available in the Apple Intelligence Beta test version for iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models in the US using the iOS 18.1 Developer Beta operating system. Those not using the Beta version will have to wait for the official release of iOS 18.1 and must own an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or one of the four new iPhone 16 models to use the Apple Intelligence feature.
Some industry experts, such as Neil Shah from Counterpoint Research, anticipate that Apple may include the fee for advanced Apple Intelligence features in the Apple One service plan to recoup its large investment in artificial intelligence. Additionally, Ben Wood, research director at CCS Insight, believes that Apple will likely charge for premium Apple Intelligence features, as the company has been successful in monetizing value-added services.
To use Apple Intelligence, iPhone users may need to upgrade to the new iPhone 16, as Apple states that the minimum requirement for Apple Intelligence is 8 GB of RAM, meaning iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus users seeking a seamless Apple Intelligence experience would need to upgrade to at least an iPhone 15 Pro.