Apple prepares to cut off ios support for dozens of iphone models – siri 2.0 coming at a cost
Apple is tightening its
grip on its iOS ecosystem, poised to discontinue support for a significant number of older iPhone models with the release of iOS 27. A leaked report from Instante Digital suggests a chilling list of devices – including the iPhone 12 series and even some of Apple’s more recent offerings – will be left in the dust.A cascade of retirements: which iphones won't get the upgrade?
The announcement follows last year’s decision to axe support for the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, all powered by the A12 Bionic chip. This time, the focus is on models utilizing the A13 Bionic – specifically the iPhone SE (2nd Generation), iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max. Essentially, Apple is prioritizing newer hardware to drive sales and maintain a consistent user experience across its product line.
Siri 2.0: a personal assistant with a memory
The move isn’t simply about streamlining support; it’s intrinsically linked to the arrival of Siri 2.0. The revamped digital assistant, promising a significantly more ‘personal’ experience, will leverage a massive 1.2 trillion parameter AI model – reportedly sourced from Google’s Gemini LLM. This means Siri will, according to Apple, be able to recall specific details from your iPhone’s activity – from photos and emails to calendar events and messages – to answer your queries with startling accuracy.
What does this mean for iphone users?
For those still clinging to an iPhone SE (2nd Gen) or an older iPhone 11, the news isn’t great. While the potential for a dramatically improved Siri is enticing, it’s likely to come at the expense of continued software updates. However, the upgrade to Siri 2.0 will be a game-changer. Imagine simply saying, “Email this photo to Reggie,” or requesting Siri to “make this look like a sketch.” It’s a stark demonstration of the power of generative AI integrated directly into your daily workflow.
Beyond the assistant: a billion-dollar bet
This strategic shift isn’t just about improving Siri; it’s a calculated investment in the future of AI. Apple is reportedly committing a staggering $1 billion annually to Google for access to Gemini’s powerful LLM. The aim is to build an ‘agentic’ AI system – one capable of not just responding to commands, but proactively planning, utilizing tools, and executing complex tasks with minimal human intervention. Think booking a multi-leg flight, factoring in your calendar and suggesting optimal departure times based on real-time traffic data – all orchestrated by Siri’s enhanced capabilities. This represents a significant shift in Apple’s approach to AI, moving beyond simple voice commands to a truly integrated and intelligent assistant.
The bottom line: a new era for siri
The impending sunset for these older iPhones underscores Apple's commitment to a premium, evolving ecosystem. While it’s a frustrating prospect for some, the arrival of Siri 2.0 represents a tangible leap forward in AI-powered convenience. It’s a bold move, and one that could fundamentally alter how we interact with our mobile devices.