Apple revealed its version of artificial intelligence at the 2024 World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC). Called Apple Intelligence, it promises to alter the way we use our iPhones by integrating AI features directly into our most used apps.
Apple Intelligence offers generative AI features like Genmoji, the Image Playground, and writing abilities powered by ChatGPT 4.0. It also upgrades Siri by allowing it to tailor responses to your specific needs instead of being a generic chatbot.
Let's dive into Apple Intelligence to learn more about when it will be released, what features are included, and which iPhones it will work on.
What is Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence is Apple's proprietary AI system for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It includes generative AI features like custom images, writing powered by ChatGPT 4.0, and a more personalized Siri experience. It is currently slated for release with iOS 18 in the fall of 2024 (probably around September).
It's designed to offer a high level of privacy with most tasks completed on your device. If Apple Intelligence detects it needs more computing power, it can access cloud servers. Apple has also designed a system called Private Cloud Compute that extends privacy protections to those servers and keeps your data safe. Still, if the idea of AI makes you uncomfortable, Apple says you'll be able to opt out of the feature.
Apple Intelligence features
Apple Intelligence will offer multiple features designed to increase your productivity and enhance your experience with Apple's products.
Genmoji
Genmoji is a generative AI feature that allows users to create custom emojis for their messages and stickers. All you have to do is type a description, and the system will automatically generate emoji options.
Image Playground
Image Playground is another generative AI feature in Apple Intelligence. It allows users to create custom images in seconds by typing out a description. The feature comes with a dedicated app and will be available in iMessage.
You should note that Image Playground does have some limitations: there are only three image styles (animation, illustration, and sketch) and most images will be designed using predefined concepts from Apple, like specific locations or a contact's Memoji.
Writing powered by ChatGPT 4.0
Apple is adding ChatGPT 4.0 integration into its AI writing tools. This will help users generate content and improve their writing. Apple made it clear that OpenAI will not store private data from users when ChatGPT processes requests.
Personalized Siri
Apple Intelligence promises to give Siri one of the largest updates ever, including the ability to complete personal and contextually relevant tasks. It will utilize information from across your device to create complex answers to any questions you ask.
Another exciting feature is that Siri will be able to carry on conversations. You no longer have to ask Siri a new question for each task you want it to perform. Instead, it will intelligently remember past requests for a more seamless experience.
Generative AI in Photos app
The Photos app is also getting an AI boost. Apple Intelligence will organize your photos and allow you to search for images using specific details the AI can recognize.
Apple is also introducing Clean Up, a photo editing feature that can remove distracting background objects. It's nice to see Apple finally adding this feature to its Photo editing options. Google Pixels have had this ability through the Magic Eraser since 2021.
Mail organization
The Mail app will also get an AI redesign. Apple Intelligence will organize your emails and designate priority messages for you to view. Additionally, the AI writing features and ChatGPT will be available for sprucing up your writing and providing AI-generated summaries of message text.
What iPhones have Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence will be available in the newest iPhone, iPad, and Mac models. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are the only current iPhones getting the feature. It's unclear which future iPhone models will have access to Apple Intelligence. It's likely that all models from the upcoming iPhone 16 series will have Apple Intelligence, but the next generation iPhone SE may not.
Max McCaskill
Max started his career as a newspaper reporter covering public policy. Today, he uses his skills to help readers navigate the complicated world of wireless technology. When he’s not writing, you’ll probably find him sharpening his photography skills, fly fishing, or complaining about SEC football.
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