Generative AI Advances to Benefit Only High-End iPhone and Select Apple Device Users
After nearly two years of anticipation, Apple has finally introduced its generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, revealed by CEO Tim Cook at the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). Cook enthusiastically announced, “I’m excited that we’ll introduce profound new intelligence capabilities that we hope will inspire developers, delight users, and make our platforms even smarter and more useful than ever.”
However, the details shared during the keynote and on Apple’s website revealed a major limitation: the new technology will only be available on the most powerful iPhones, specifically the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max models, and initially only to users in the United States who speak and write in English.
The introduction of Apple Intelligence and a significant update to Siri will arrive with the new iOS 18 operating system this fall. Unfortunately, these advancements will bypass over 90% of current iPhone users unless they purchase one of the latest models. With around 1.5 billion active iPhone users globally, and with approximately 100 million iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max units sold, this means the new AI features will only be accessible to a small fraction of Apple’s customer base. Additionally, users outside the United States are currently excluded.
Only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will support Apple Intelligence among the 24 iPhone models compatible with iOS 18. This system includes functions already available from other tech giants, such as summarizing documents, notes, audio, and phone calls, suggesting message replies, reviewing texts, and correcting style and tone. New features include creating emojis and images from simple directions. Other iPhone models will not have access to the enhanced Siri, which promises better understanding of user requests, conversation continuity, and integration with ChatGPT for answering complex questions.
Beyond iPhones, Apple Intelligence and the new Siri will also be available on tablets and computers with Apple processors (M1 or higher). For iPads, this applies to five of the 15 models compatible with iPadOS 18, and for Macs, 13 of the 18 models compatible with macOS 15 Sequoia. Apple started selling Macs with its processors in 2020, iPad Pros in 2021, and iPad Airs in 2022. All iPad Minis and non-processor iPads will miss out on these new smart features.
Interestingly, Apple’s advanced AI won’t be available on its Vision Pro mixed reality glasses, despite their modern M2 processor, which has ample capacity for such technology.
There is also disappointment among users of Apple Watches and HomePods. Despite the anticipated update, the new Siri will not be available on these devices, which heavily rely on voice control. Apple has not disclosed whether current models that are left out will eventually receive these AI features through future updates or cloud computing advancements. Additionally, there is no information on when these features will be available in other languages, such as Spanish. Apple only mentioned that the new intelligence features would be in beta as part of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia this fall, in U.S. English, with additional features and languages expected next year.
Tech analysts have expressed disappointment over the exclusion of smartwatches and smart speakers. Jason Snell, a former Macworld editor, noted on SixColors that Siri is unreliable on Apple Watches, which he uses when running or walking his dog. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, who had previously leaked details of the keynote, remarked that Apple’s AI advancements would take years to be fully realized and integrated across all devices. He suggested that the new features are unlikely to significantly boost iPhone sales this year.
Source: Francisco Doménech, El País, June 14, 2024. You can check out the full article here.
Hi, I'm Voss Xolani, and I'm passionate about all things AI. With many years of experience in the tech industry, I specialize in explaining the functionality and benefits of AI-powered software for both businesses and individual users. My content explores the latest AI tools, offering practical insights on how they can streamline workflows, boost productivity, and drive innovation. I also review new software solutions to help readers understand their features and applications. Beyond that, I stay up-to-date with AI trends and experiment with emerging technologies to provide the most relevant information.