The AI revolution in smartphones: Apple’s new iPhone 16 introduces advanced AI features, but older iPhones can access similar capabilities through third-party apps, potentially delaying the need for an upgrade.
- The iPhone 16’s Apple Intelligence suite offers features like email rewriting, content summarization, task automation, and image generation.
- These capabilities can be replicated on older iPhone models using various AI-powered applications available in the App Store.
Email management and efficiency: AI-powered email tools can significantly improve communication and productivity on older iPhones, mirroring some of the new iPhone 16 features.
- Grammarly assists with word choice, punctuation, and grammar in emails and other written communications.
- Boomerang for Gmail offers follow-up reminders, inbox pause features, and email scheduling, as well as tone detection and phrase suggestions for more effective communication.
- Sanebox helps manage spam, creates email summaries, and suggests alternative subject lines, enhancing overall email organization.
Photo editing and image generation: While the iPhone 16 promises advanced photo editing and customized emoji creation, older iPhones can access similar capabilities through various apps.
- Meta AI, integrated into Instagram, allows users to generate customized images.
- Playground AI and the ChatGPT app offer additional image generation capabilities.
- Google Photos’ Magic Eraser tool enables object removal from images without requiring advanced editing skills.
- Adobe’s Firefly provides another option for AI-powered photo editing on older iPhones.
Text summarization: The ability to summarize lengthy content, a feature of Apple Intelligence, is also available on older iPhones through various applications.
- Summarizer app efficiently extracts main points from emails and news stories.
- ChatGPT, MetaAI, and Claude AI offer advanced summarization capabilities, rivaling those promised in the new iPhone.
Advantages of using third-party apps: While adding multiple apps may seem less seamless than Apple’s integrated approach, it offers several benefits to users of older iPhones.
- Cost-effectiveness: Many AI apps are free or have lower subscription fees compared to purchasing a new iPhone.
- Flexibility and control: Users can choose which AI features to use and when, avoiding potential issues like unwanted autocorrect interventions.
- Customization: The ability to add apps as needed allows for a more tailored AI experience on older devices.
Balancing innovation and practicality: While the iPhone 16 offers an integrated AI experience, the availability of powerful third-party apps allows users to extend the life of their current devices without sacrificing functionality.
- The “if it’s not broken, don’t replace it” mentality can be applied to smartphones, with AI apps bridging the gap between older and newer models.
- As AI technology continues to evolve, the balance between integrated features and third-party solutions will likely shape future smartphone upgrade decisions.
Forget iPhone 16 — these 9 apps can make your old iPhone rival Apple Intelligence
