iOS 18: New AI features in the works
2024 is shaping up to be the “Year of AI” for Apple, with big updates planned for iOS 18 and more. The rumors – and Tim Cook himself – make it clear that there are new AI features for Apple’s platforms in the works. Here’s everything we know about the ways Apple is exploring AI features…
iOS 18: New AI features in the works
There have been a number of rumors about the various AI features in the works inside Apple. Bloomberg has reported that Apple thinks iOS 18 will be one of the “biggest iOS updates” ever, headlined by a number of new AI features.
Mark Gurman reported last July that Apple created its own Large Language Model (LLM) system, which has been dubbed AppleGPT. The project uses a framework called “Ajax” that Apple started building in 2022 to base various machine learning projects on a shared foundation. This Ajax framework will serve as the basis for Apple’s forthcoming AI features across all of its platforms.
9to5Mac found evidence of Apple’s work on new AI and large language model technology in iOS 17.4. We reported that Apple is relying on OpenAI’s ChatGPT API for internal testing to help the development of its own AI models.
Bloomberg has reported that Apple’s iOS 18 features will be powered by an “entirely on-device” large language model, which offers a number of privacy and speed benefits.
AI features expected in iOS 18
- A new version of Siri that is more intelligent and based on large language model technology, similar to platforms like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.
- New AI features for Apple Music that let users automatically generate playlists.
- AI integration into Pages, Keynote, and Numbers for summarization, content creation, and more.
- AI features for Xcode that can complete blocks of code, help test applications, and more.
- An upgraded version of Spotlight Search that is powered by generative AI and can perform more complex tasks.
- An AI-powered wellness coaching feature that is integrated into Apple Health and Apple Watch.
- New AI features for the Messages app that can auto-complete messages, answer questions, and summarize incoming text messages.
- For Safari, Apple is reportedly preparing new AI-powered summarization tools as well as a new Web Eraser feature.
Apple’s AI frameworks
Apple has already launched a number of powerful AI frameworks and models, including those supporting its AI-based Siri voice assistant.
Apple AI announcements coming this year
During a recent Apple earnings call, Tim Cook offered a rare teaser for a future product announcement. According to Cook, Apple is spending a “tremendous amount of time and effort” on artificial intelligence technologies, and the company is “excited to share the details of our ongoing work in that space later this year.”
It’s extraordinarily rare for Cook to even remotely hint at Apple’s plans for future product announcements. Apple believes it has the advantages that will differentiate its AI technology, including seamless hardware-software integration, Apple Silicon with neural engines, and a strong focus on privacy.
Apple has reportedly been in talks with Google and OpenAI about potential partnerships in AI technology. While the details of these partnerships are not confirmed yet, Apple seems keen on incorporating external AI technology for cloud-based features, while continuing to use its own technology for on-device AI features.
Wrap up
At this point, the question is which of the many rumors will come to fruition this year. Apple’s WWDC event is scheduled for June 10 this year, where more information about its AI features is expected to be announced.
