The world of smartphones has split into two camps: those with access to cutting-edge generative AI features and those who have been left behind. For me, an older iPhone user, it’s especially frustrating because Apple, known for its software support, fails to update older devices while Samsung takes the lead. The latest Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra seems too advanced for my aging iPhone 14 Pro, which is now two years old and struggling with outdated hardware like a small neural processor and only 2 GB of RAM.
I get to use the newest Apple devices at work, but my iPhone’s limitations are a constant reminder. Since switching to iOS two years ago, I’ve watched the mobile landscape evolve in ways that leave me feeling left out. While hardware changes are less impactful than software updates, I’ve noticed a growing gap between new and older iPhones when it comes to AI features.
Apple promised AI features would arrive by April, but Samsung has already beaten them to the punch with its Galaxy S25 lineup. The AI on these newer phones feels intuitive, like an extension of my phone’s capabilities. It’s easier to use than the limited demo I had with Apple’s Gemini-based cross-app AI, which struggled with accuracy and caused delays in tasks.
For me, an older iPhone user, this divide is personal. Every upgrade feels like a step further away from staying relevant. I rely on Apple’s support for older devices, but it doesn’t always translate to software updates or new features. The RAM size alone shows the gap between Apple’s and Samsung’s capabilities—my iPhone 14 Pro has 6 GB of RAM, while newer models have 12 GB.
The decision to upgrade is tough, especially when I still feel the need for AI features on my phone. While older devices can benefit from UI improvements, the lack of reliable AI makes it harder to justify an upgrade unless necessary. The future of smartphones seems to be centered on generative AI and cross-app integration, but until Apple delivers more support for older models, it won’t truly catch up.
Samsung’s efforts with its Galaxy S25 Ultra are impressive, but even their RAM size suggests a memory limitation in their AI capabilities. For now, Samsung is leading the charge in AI features, leaving older iPhone users like me feeling omitted and left behind.
The debate between Android and iOS might seem irrelevant to some, but for those who rely on their devices daily, it feels increasingly important. As Apple continues to prioritize innovation over backward compatibility, older iPhone users are left wondering if they’ll ever catch up to the times they missed out on with Samsung’s advancements in AI.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/the-iphone-left-me-behind-with-ai-but-samsungs-galaxy-s25-still-hasnt-sold-me-on-it-yet-2000555323