Tech

Apple's New AI Features Will Only Work on These MacBooks

By Alex • June 18, 2026
Apple's New AI Features Will Only Work on These MacBooks

Apple's New AI Features Will Only Work on These MacBooks

WWDC 2026 brought a tidal wave of innovation, and the biggest splash came from Apple Intelligence. This isn't just a minor update; it's a complete reimagining of how we interact with our Macs, leveraging advanced AI to boost productivity, personalize experiences, and make your digital life genuinely smarter. Apple's brand-new Siri AI assistant, alongside a suite of deep system integrations, promises to change the game this fall.

But here's the deal: not every MacBook (or Mac, for that matter) will be able to fully tap into these revolutionary capabilities. While macOS 27 "Golden Gate" will roll out broadly, the most advanced Apple Intelligence features demand serious horsepower. To truly unlock the full potential and experience seamless AI, you'll want a machine with an M3 chip and at least 12GB of RAM. If you're eager to jump into the future, you'll need one of these compatible machines:

These Macs Will Get Apple Intelligence

The good news is, if your Mac is powered by Apple Silicon, you're likely in the running for at least some of the new AI features. However, for those "advanced" capabilities Apple showcased, the M3 chip and a minimum of 12GB RAM are the sweet spot.

MacBook Air

  • MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
  • MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
  • MacBook Air (15-inch M2, 2023)
  • MacBook Air (M3, 2024)
  • MacBook Air (M4, 2025)

MacBook Pro

  • MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020)
  • MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro/Max, 2021)
  • MacBook Pro 16-inch (M1 Pro/Max, 2021)
  • All M2, M3, M4 MacBook Pro models

MacBook Neo

  • MacBook Neo (A18 Pro)

iMac

  • iMac 24-inch (M1, 2021)
  • All M3 and newer iMac models

Mac mini

  • Mac mini (M1, 2020)
  • All M2, M2 Pro, M4, and newer Mac mini models

Mac Studio

  • Mac Studio (M1 Max/Ultra, 2022)
  • All newer Mac Studio models

What Apple Intelligence Unlocks for Macs

If your Mac makes the cut, get ready for a significant upgrade. macOS 27 "Golden Gate" will supercharge everything from Spotlight to Safari, Photos, and Shortcuts. You'll get the same incredible Siri AI advancements seen on iPhones: more natural, conversational responses, context-aware follow-up questions, personalized assistance that learns from you, and seamless conversation syncing across your devices.

The biggest game-changers on Mac will come from Spotlight, transforming it into an AI powerhouse where you can ask complex questions about files, compare documents, and perform actions directly from its interface. Safari isn't left out either, with features like AI tab management, intelligent page monitoring, AI-generated extensions, deeper Passwords integration, and simplified automations—just describe what you want in plain English, and Safari handles the rest.

So, check your machine. If you're on the list, especially with an M3 chip or newer, prepare to hack your life with Apple's smartest Mac experience yet!