Phones

AI on your phone: a plain-English guide (2026)

Your phone may already have powerful AI built in. Here's what iPhone and Android can do, which phones you need, and how to start.

Research-based, not tested. Written from official pages and help docs (last checked Oct 15, 2026). We haven't run our own tests of this yet, so treat it as an explainer, not a verdict. How we test

iPhone

AI on iPhone

Apple Intelligence, Siri AI (beta), the ChatGPT extension and the best free apps.

 Android

AI on Android

Gemini, Circle to Search, Galaxy AI and Pixel features.

 How-to

Use ChatGPT on iPhone

Through Siri or the app, step by step.

 How-to

Use Gemini on Android

Set up Google's assistant and Gemini Live.

Do I need a new phone?

Built-in AI needs…Works on older phones?
iPhoneiPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max, any iPhone 16 or later, or iPhone Air (iOS 27) for Apple Intelligence and Siri AIYes: free apps like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude
AndroidGemini: Android 9+, 2 GB RAM. Circle to Search: Pixel 6+ and select phones. Newest extras: Pixel 10/11, recent GalaxyYes: the Gemini app covers most phones

Not sure which AI to pick? Which AI model should I use?

Last checked Oct 15, 2026.

Sources

Prices and plans change often. Always confirm on the official site before you buy.