Apple is rolling out new AI-powered features with the launch of iOS 18.1, but not all devices will enjoy the full experience. While the iPhone lineup, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max, will harness Apple Intelligence in all its glory, even the top-of-the-line Apple Watch models—from the Series 10 to the Ultra 2—will miss out on most of these updates.
Processing Power Limits
So why can’t the Apple Watch keep up? The primary reason boils down to processing limitations. Simply put, the hardware in the latest Apple Watches isn’t robust enough to handle the computational demands of many Apple Intelligence features. Unlike iPhones, which have the processing muscle for advanced AI, Apple Watches are more lightweight when it comes to processing power.
This is a disappointment for users who were hoping to see their Apple Watches fully integrate into Apple’s new AI ecosystem. But, while most features won’t make the cut, there’s one that will.
Notification Summaries
There is a silver lining, though: Notification Summaries. This AI-powered feature will be available on the Apple Watch, making it a notable exception among the new Apple Intelligence tools. Set to debut with iOS 18.1, Notification Summaries are designed to condense notifications, allowing users to quickly scan essential information from emails, messages, and apps.
For those eager to try it, you can get early access through the iOS 18.1 public beta, which rolled out in September. The feature is especially practical for Apple Watches, where screen space is limited. Instead of being bombarded with lengthy notifications, users will receive concise summaries of important content, perfect for quick glances on the go.
How Notification Summaries Work
The way Notification Summaries work is simple but smart. When you receive a notification on your Apple device, instead of the typical truncated preview of an email or text, you’ll get a clear, AI-generated summary. The technology behind this is Apple’s AI-powered language tool, which analyzes the content and provides you with the most relevant details.
This tool isn’t limited to just emails and messages; it can also summarize notifications from a variety of apps. So, whether you’re getting updates from a social media app, calendar alert, or work-related communication tool, Notification Summaries will offer a digestible version tailored for your Apple Watch.
A Handy Feature for Apple Watch Users
Notification Summaries are a particularly valuable addition to the Apple Watch. Its small display isn’t well-suited for long blocks of text, making this feature a game-changer for keeping users informed without needing to pull out their phones. You won’t have to scroll endlessly through long, meandering text threads or email chains. Instead, Apple Intelligence breaks it down for you, so you get the gist in seconds.
Unfortunately, while this feature is arriving on the Apple Watch, you’ll still need an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence to use it. So, if you’re still hanging on to an older iPhone model, you might want to consider upgrading if you’re excited about this and other AI features.
Other Apple Intelligence Features You Won’t See on Apple Watch
Although Notification Summaries will work on the Apple Watch, several other highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features won’t. For instance, AI-driven writing tools and phone call transcription are reserved for iPhones only. These tools allow users to get real-time summaries of phone conversations and use AI to help craft responses or notes based on ongoing conversations.
Another exciting feature, the Clean Up tool, lets users remove unwanted objects or subjects from images with a simple tap. Again, this feature won’t be available on Apple Watches, likely due to the lack of necessary processing power.
What This Means for Apple Watch Users
While it might feel like the Apple Watch is missing out on the full scope of Apple Intelligence, the arrival of Notification Summaries should still offer a significant boost in convenience. Apple has positioned the Watch as a companion device, and this feature plays into that role by streamlining the experience of staying connected without overwhelming the user.
