Forget about the new iPhone 16 Pro, Apple had something better.

The iPhone 16 Pro may be “built from the ground up for Apple Intelligence,” but the iPhone 16 family isn’t the only iPhone option with iOS’ new generative AI capabilities.

iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max run Apple Intelligence. Rather than paying a premium for a new flagship in hopes that the AI ​​software will deliver on Apple’s promises, the 15 Pro models offer nearly the same experience as the 16 Pro models. Since these are one generation behind, consumers may have been hoping for a discount and an “affordable Pro” model for those who want AI on their iPhones.

Instead, Apple canceled the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.

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It’s worth noting that the only iPhones running the A17 Pro chipset are the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The companion iPhone 15 and 15 Plus run the A16 chipset. iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 13, and iPhone 13 Plus remain in range. All of these use the A15 chipset.

The last iPhone currently available is the 3rd generation iPhone SE, which is powered by the A15 chipset. However, there are strong indications that Apple will refresh the iPhone SE in March 2025, which means current SE stock will need to be used up.

Canceling the A17 iPhone doesn’t mean Apple is completely eliminating the chipset. Support periods should have been factored into the manufacturing and design roadmap, but spare parts will be needed for years to come. Setting aside support issues and focusing on the new iPhones Apple sells, chipset complexity has been reduced by 25%. Depending on the specs of the iPhone SE 4th generation, it could have been reduced by nearly 40%.

I’m sure managing the supply chain in this way played a role in the decision, but I suspect there are psychological reasons to consider alongside the practical ones.

With the rise of generative AI, AI-powered features have become key selling points for smartphones, but Apple hasn’t been able to make the most of them. Eight months after Google launched the AI-focused Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, Apple announced the awkwardly backonymous Apple Intelligence at the Worldwide Developer Conference. Consumers will experience the first small portion of it next month, but the full suite won’t be available until March 2025, about 17 months after Android.

And if you want to join the rise of generative AI and experience the gradual rollout of Apple Intelligence on your new iPhone, you’ll have no choice but to buy one of the iPhone 16 family.

Apple, which has faced flat iPhone sales growth for the past few years, is using the opportunity presented by generative AI to force update cycles on users who want to use the new technology. Unsurprisingly, Apple Intelligence runs on the entire iPhone 16 family. While backported to older devices, only devices running the A17 chipset will receive the backported generation AI software.

And two terminals with the A17 chipset have just been canceled.

Those who already own one of the devices are not affected, but those who wish to upgrade and receive Apple Intelligence should upgrade but wait to see if Apple Intelligence is available. You’ve lost what is probably the most cost-effective option available to those who want it. A new iPhone is worth the extra investment.

You might be able to find an iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max in a final sale at a network or specialty store, but that option won’t be available for long. If you want Apple intelligence, you have no choice but to choose the newest and most expensive iPhone on the market.

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