1. Apple is focusing on integrating generative AI into their products, with the acquisition of AI startups like DarwinAI to make AI systems “smaller and faster.”
2. Apple’s pivot towards artificial intelligence will be evident at WWDC 2024, with iOS 18 rumored to include features running on the company’s large language model, possibly including Siri with ChatGPT-style capabilities.
3. The upcoming AI features may be exclusive to the iPhone 16, as the field of artificial intelligence has advanced since the Neural Engine was first introduced in the iPhone 8, potentially requiring a substantial hardware boost for the best on-device AI features.
Apple is gearing up to break new ground in generative AI after the success of ChatGPT last year, with CEO Tim Cook promising a pivot towards artificial intelligence in the upcoming year. With over 30 AI startups purchased in 2023 and the recent acquisition of Canadian company DarwinAI, Apple is reportedly focusing on making AI systems “smaller and faster” for the next iPhone model, iPhone 16.
DarwinAI, known for visually inspecting components in manufacturing, may play a role in Apple’s plan to have AI features run locally on the iPhone 16 rather than in the cloud. Although Apple has not confirmed the acquisition, founder Alexander Wong’s LinkedIn profile indicates his move to Apple as “director of machine learning research” in January.
It is expected that Apple will unveil the results of its AI pivot at WWDC 2024, with rumors suggesting new features like Siri summarizing content in a ChatGPT style, AI integration with iMessage and AppleCare, and a generative AI tool for app development. While iOS 18 is likely to be packed with AI features, some features may be exclusive to the iPhone 16 due to hardware requirements for the best on-device AI capabilities.
Despite advancements in AI technology since the introduction of the Neural Engine in the A11 Bionic processor in 2017, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro may still use the same chipset, signaling the need for a substantial hardware boost to fully utilize the latest AI capabilities. Developers and users alike are eagerly anticipating Apple’s foray into generative AI and the potential upgrades it could bring to the iPhone experience.