Google has recently revealed that the Gemini AI assistant will be integrated into Google TV. Simultaneously, our counterpart site 9to5Google discovered indications that Gemini is set to launch on Wear OS, Google’s smartwatch operating system. However, on Apple’s end, devices such as Apple TV and Apple Watch currently lack support for Apple Intelligence, raising questions about when this will change.
Apple’s rivals introduce AI for TV and smartwatches
As for Apple Intelligence, its functionalities are limited to iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Despite this, the available features are rather sparse. Apple Intelligence necessitates devices equipped with the A17 Pro chip (including the iPhone 15 Pro and iPad mini 7) or the M1 chip and later versions.
Apple has indicated that it plans to expand Apple Intelligence support to more devices over time, yet specifics regarding which devices will be included next and the timeline remain undisclosed. As it stands, users of Apple TV, Apple Watch, HomePod, and Apple Vision Pro are unable to utilize Apple Intelligence capabilities. Let’s examine what competitors have accomplished thus far.
As noted, Google announced at CES 2025 that it will be bringing Gemini to Google TV. When people think of generative AI, chatbots for answering queries or generating text typically come to mind. Part of Gemini’s function on Google TV will be just that, with the company claiming that its AI “will make searching through your media easier than ever.”
However, there are additional features aimed at enhancing the TV experience. For example, Gemini will allow users to create art alongside their family or request summaries of daily news highlights. Moreover, Google has also unveiled AI-generated screensavers and film/show summaries.
On Wear OS, Gemini will significantly improve user interaction, allowing for more natural conversations with smartwatches, particularly helpful when your smartphone is out of reach.
Apple Intelligence on Apple TV and Apple Watch
Now, back to Apple. When can we expect Apple Intelligence to be available on Apple TV and Apple Watch? Regrettably, it appears that this won’t be happening anytime soon, and there are a couple of reasons behind this.
Firstly, the rollout of Apple Intelligence is staggered. The initial phase introduced Writing Tools and text summarization. The subsequent phase included features like Genmoji and Image Playgrounds, along with the integration of ChatGPT into Siri. For the upcoming third phase, anticipated to launch by spring, Siri will gain onscreen awareness and the ability to control actions across apps.
However, most of these features may not be particularly beneficial for devices like Apple TV and Apple Watch. While having ChatGPT on the Apple Watch could be occasionally useful, it hardly seems revolutionary. Onscreen awareness and enhanced voice controls are promising, yet these capabilities haven’t even been fully implemented on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
It’s probable that Apple wishes to perfect the Apple Intelligence experience on existing devices before extending these features to additional hardware.
Secondly, hardware limitations play a crucial role. As previously mentioned, Apple Intelligence relies on the latest chipsets, as most processing occurs on-device to ensure better privacy. Unless Apple develops lighter language models to fit the capabilities of the Apple TV and Apple Watch, the current hardware may not support Apple Intelligence as it stands.
The latest Apple TV, launched in 2022, is powered by the A15 chip, mirroring the technology found in the iPhone 13. While rumors suggest a new Apple TV could be launching in 2025, it’s uncertain when this will take place or if it will come equipped with a suitable chip for running Apple Intelligence. Regarding the Apple Watch, we will likely have to wait until at least September for new hardware updates.
In conclusion, those eagerly awaiting Apple Intelligence on these devices may have to exercise patience. Until then, we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below regarding what you hope to see from Apple Intelligence on Apple TV and Apple Watch.
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