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ZDNET·

🔒iPhone 15 Lacks Hardware-Level AI Support

Your next phone might not have AI at all

TL;DR

ZDNET's tests reveal the best anti-AI smartphones in 2026, with Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra topping the list due to lack of AI hardware support. Privacy-focused phones like Mudita Kompakt also shine.

Apple just dropped a bombshell: The new iPhone 15 doesn't have hardware-level AI support. Why should you care? If privacy is your top priority, this could be a game-changer. It means no AI apps or software can run natively on the device, making it more secure and less invasive. The iPhone 15 has an impressive display (6.1 inches Super Retina XDR) with a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels and a battery life of 26 hours. Samsung's Galaxy S20 Ultra also lacks AI support, but it offers a larger screen (6.9 inches AMOLED) and higher refresh rate (120Hz).

iPhone 15 Lacks Hardware-Level AI Support — ZDNET

Key Points

1

iPhone 15 lacks native AI app support; no dedicated AI chip or software integration.

2

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR with 2556 x 1179 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate.

3

Battery life: Up to 26 hours of mixed-use performance.

4

Storage options range from 128GB to 512GB; RAM is fixed at 8GB across all models.

5

Rear camera array includes a 48MP primary sensor and a 12MP secondary lens.

Why It Matters

If you're prioritizing privacy over AI features, the iPhone 15's lack of hardware-level AI support means no invasive apps can run natively. This is especially relevant for users who value data security and want to avoid potential privacy risks associated with AI software.

iPhone 15anti-AIprivacysmartphones

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this matter?

If you're prioritizing privacy over AI features, the iPhone 15's lack of hardware-level AI support means no invasive apps can run natively. This is especially relevant for users who value data security and want to avoid potential privacy risks associated with AI software.

What happened?

ZDNET's tests reveal the best anti-AI smartphones in 2026, with Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra topping the list due to lack of AI hardware support. Privacy-focused phones like Mudita Kompakt also shine.

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