If you didn’t get your phone this year, it probably won’t get Gemini Intelligence (Update).

Google has set strict requirements for Android 17’s marquee Gemini intelligence feature. They exclude most of the existing phones, some of the company’s phones Pixel 9 devices the agent may not support AI.

Note on Google product page indicates that you will need a device with “cutting edge capabilities” to run the technology, according to 9 to 5 Google. You’ll need a compatible “flagship” chip, at least 12GB of RAM, and support for media features like HDR and spatial audio. Google also requires at least five years of OS updates, six years of quarterly security updates, and quality levels that will be enforced more strictly in 2027.

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More importantly, the device will have to support Google’s latest tiny AI model Gemini Nano v3. This is the majority of the Pixel 9 family, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7and OnePlus 13. As a general rule, most phones released before 2026 are currently not compatible.

The Gemini Nano v3 is by far the most efficient Pixel 10 models (not 10a), Samsung’s Galaxy S26 row and OnePlus 15 range. While it is possible that some phones and tablets will receive v3 support, this is not guaranteed at this stage.

How – Geek We’ve asked Google for comment and will let you know if we hear back.

Why are Gemini Intelligence system requirements so high?

An advanced local AI model may be the explanation

Gemini Intelligence is more than just a voice assistant. As an AI agent, it can perform multi-step tasks that sometimes require running apps to perform tasks on your behalf, such as ordering restaurants and creating custom widgets.

For the feature to work quickly and reliably, Google will likely need to run a small but new AI model like the Gemini Nano v3 on the device. This requires a large amount of computing power and memory, and there is no guarantee that most devices (including low-end 2026 phones) will assemble.

So you’re likely to see Gemini Intelligence on multiple devices, with newer models being the first to get it. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the Z Flip 8, both expected in July, could be the first. We were waiting Google’s own Pixel 11 to be next in line for a possible August premiere.

Regardless of what the exact device list looks like, Google is harkening back to the days when major new software features required frequent new hardware, not just OS updates. Whether you like it or not, you may have to buy a new phone to have Gemini Intelligence on hand.