Artificial intelligence for “Apple intelligence”
Apple will brand its AI efforts as “Apple Intelligence” and embed generative AI capabilities into iPhone, iPad and Mac operating systems. Users will need to opt-in to access these AI tools, and some will require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, or an M1 chip or newer on iPads and Macs. Apple is taking a more hands-on approach to artificial intelligence compared to its competitors, focusing on subtle but useful improvements to everyday apps and tasks.
iOS 18: the smartest iPhone update ever?
There are rumors that the next major iPhone software update, iOS 18, will be one of the biggest iOS releases ever, driven largely by artificial intelligence. Siri will be getting a much-needed overhaul, gaining the ability to perform more convoluted in-app tasks such as editing photos, deleting emails, and providing notification summaries.
AI features also include other key applications:
- Safari web browser will offer smarter search results
- The Notes app will automatically generate summaries
- Voice notes will provide transcriptions
- Messaging will allow users to create custom AI-generated emojis
Apple is also said to be loosening restrictions on iPhone home screen layouts, allowing users to place icons and widgets wherever they want. There are rumors that there will be a recent wallpaper pack inspired by older designs and slogans.
Artificial intelligence across the ecosystem: from iPadOS to VisionOS
In addition to iOS 18, you can expect AI updates in the latest versions of iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and VisionOS for the Vision Pro headset. Core apps like Pages, Numbers, Keynote and Xcode will gain AI-powered features to boost productivity. Apple’s goal is to show how artificial intelligence can practically improve user experience across the ecosystem.
Secret weapon: Siri supercharged with ChatGPT
To accelerate its AI work, Apple has reportedly struck a deal with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT capabilities into iOS. Details of the partnership are expected to be announced during WWDC. This could support Apple catch up with Google and Microsoft, which have already implemented generative artificial intelligence in their products.
The end of the green-blue war is coming: RCS appears in iMessage
In a major change, Apple is finally implementing Wealthy Communication Services, or RCS, in its Messages app. This will dramatically improve texting between iPhones and Android phones, allowing you to display typing indicators, share high-quality media, and have end-to-end encryption. The move follows pressure from the tech industry and regulators to make messaging more open and interoperable.
Equipment may become a thing of the past this year
While WWDC is primarily a software event, Apple also occasionally showcases recent hardware products, such as the Vision Pro headset last year. However, don’t expect any major hardware announcements this time around, as Apple just updated its iPad lineup in May, and recent Macs are likely to arrive in the fall.
AI Cupertino coup
WWDC 2024 could be a defining moment for Apple as it unveils its vision for the era of artificial intelligence. By carefully integrating machine intelligence in a way that protects user privacy and focuses on practicality in everyday life, Apple hopes to make artificial intelligence accessible and attractive to its ever-growing customer base.
On June 10, all eyes will be on CEO Tim Cook and his team as they aim to make a compelling case for “Apple Intelligence,” which could arguably be Apple’s next generation.
