Apple Intelligence is about to drop with the release of iOS 18.1, and it’s bringing some new and exciting AI features. But, before you can take advantage of everything Apple Intelligence has to offer, you might want to take a look at your iPhone’s storage—because you’ll probably need to free up some space.

In a document released with the latest iOS 18.1 beta 5, Apple laid out the storage requirements for its AI system, and it’s clear that these requirements will grow over time.

How much storage will Apple Intelligence need?

According to the official documentation, Apple Intelligence will initially take up about 4GB of space on your iPhone. This storage demand is in addition to the iOS 18.1 update itself, so if your device is already packed with photos, apps, and files, you’ll need to consider trimming some of that data to make room.

Here’s the specific note from Apple’s document, found under the ‘Supported Devices’ section:

Apple Intelligence is available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, all iPhone 16 models, and iPad and Mac models with M1 and later. iPhone devices need 4GB of storage*.

That 4GB is just the beginning, though. Apple added an asterisk at the end of the storage note, and for good reason.

Why will storage requirements grow?

Apple was pretty transparent in explaining that Apple Intelligence’s storage needs will expand over time. As more AI features roll out, so will the storage footprint. Apple’s document includes a footnote saying:

Storage requirements for on-device Apple Intelligence models will increase as more features roll out.

While Apple hasn’t said how much more storage future updates will take, it’s safe to assume we’ll see that 4GB number increase. It wouldn’t be surprising if, within a year, we’re looking at 8GB or more as Apple continues to evolve its AI capabilities.

What can you do to prepare?

If you’re someone who regularly bumps up against your iPhone’s storage limits, this is a good time to start thinking about where you can clear some space. The 128GB iPhones might feel a little cramped with Apple Intelligence on board, especially as storage demands grow. So, if you’re shopping for a new iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro, you may want to consider going with a larger storage option.

In the meantime, start backing up old photos, clearing unused apps, and getting your phone ready for this next chapter in AI-driven features.

Apple Intelligence is on its way, and it’s bringing more than just cool new tricks—it’s bringing a bigger demand for space on your device.