Apple Intelligence was marketed as this incredible on-device AI service that would transform iPhones into smarter devices and would offer a compelling reason to upgrade to the newer handsets, but we all know how well that played out. Fortunately, the Cupertino firm has been given another chance at WWDC 2026, but it should offer one of the best previews available for millions because the latest data reveals that generative AI-capable iPhones have reached a new high in shipments, and they are sorely missing out.
For Q1 2026, the latest research reveals that Apple Intelligence-capable iPhones have reached a jaw-dropping 450 million shipments
With ample memory and a capable NPU to fuel on-device AI functionality, iPhones supporting Apple Intelligence go as far as the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. According to the latest statistics from Counterpoint Research, the first quarter of 2026 saw an impressive 450 million iPhones shipped that were capable of running generative AI.
“Apple has cumulatively shipped over 450 million Apple Intelligence-capable iPhones till Q1 2026, according to Counterpoint Research’s Apple 360 service. Apple has the largest number of smartphones in the hands of consumers that are capable of GenAI as compared to any other brand. Any AI feature which Apple launches will be delivered to a large premium user base instantly, which is a huge advantage.”
Apple now commands the highest number of on-device AI-capable smartphones of any brand, but the disappointing aspect is that none of them can take advantage of their true potential, largely because the California-based company has faced a slow rollout. By failing to bring a revamped Siri to market faster, Apple is leaving a major customer base out of experiencing AI features.
However, Counterpoint Research mentions that a revamped Siri shouldn’t just be introduced because Apple is facing heat from the competition, but the feature should offer practical use cases, transforming into a major selling point that actually encourages buyers to prepare themselves for the upcoming iPhone 18 launch.
Currently, where Android phone manufacturers are being forced to introduce price hikes due to the ongoing RAM shortage, the ideal stage has been set for Apple, so even if the latter is forced to make its iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max slightly more expensive, the availability of a compelling feature like a revamped Siri could enable these devices to sell in droves. Of course, it remains to be seen what results have materialized from Apple’s delay in this particular area, so we’ll update our readers accordingly.
News Source: Counterpoint Research
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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