One hour into Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 keynote, the eagerly anticipated moment arrived: the unveiling of Apple Intelligence.
This new system represents a unique brand of artificial intelligence, distinctively tailored by Apple. CEO Tim Cook introduced Apple Intelligence, highlighting its potential to revolutionize user interactions with Apple products.
Apple Intelligence combines generative AI with personal context to deliver highly useful and personalized experiences. Tim Cook emphasized that this AI system accesses user information privately and securely, helping users achieve what matters most to them.
Integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, Apple Intelligence leverages Apple silicon to understand and generate language and images, perform tasks across various apps, and utilize personal context for efficiency.
Embedded within iPhone, iPad, and Mac, Apple Intelligence operates via on-device processing. It also uses Private Cloud Compute, tapping into expansive server-based models powered by Apple silicon to manage complex user requests. This ensures a seamless and powerful AI experience across Apple devices.
Apple Intelligence will debut in US English, with a beta version launching this autumn. It supports a wide range of devices, including iPad Pro, iPad Air, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini (with M1 chips or newer), Mac Studio with M1 Max or later, Mac Pro with M2 Ultra, and iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Apple Intelligence introduces system-wide writing tools, enabling users to rewrite, proofread, and summarize text across various platforms like Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.
Users may now record, transcribe, and summarize audio in the Notes and Phone applications. During calls, participants are notified when recording starts, and Apple Intelligence generates summaries to recall key points.
Apple Intelligence enhances image creation, allowing users to express themselves creatively. Integrated into apps like Messages and available as a standalone app, Image Playground lets users create images in animation, illustration, or sketch styles.
Since all photos are produced on the device, there is no limit to what may be tried. Users can create images with themes, costumes, and accessories, and in Messages, concepts are suggested based on conversations.
Apple Intelligence simplifies searching photos and videos using natural language, pinpointing moments in videos and removing background distractions in photos without affecting the subject.
The Memories feature allows users to create stories by typing descriptions, selecting the best photos and videos, arranging them into themed chapters, and crafting a movie with song suggestions from Apple Music.
Apple Intelligence makes Siri more natural, contextually relevant, and personal. Siri now simplifies tasks, maintains context between requests, and supports typed communication.
Its new design features a glowing light around the screen when active, and Siri can perform numerous new actions within Apple and third-party apps. Siri also offers tailored intelligence based on on-device information, such as playing recommended podcasts or checking flight arrival times.
In iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, Apple plans to integrate ChatGPT, allowing users to access expertise and document understanding seamlessly. Siri can utilize ChatGPT's knowledge with user consent, providing answers directly.
This integration includes built-in privacy protections, such as obscured IP addresses and no request storage by OpenAI. Users can access ChatGPT for free without an account or link accounts to access premium features.
Conclusion
Apple Intelligence represents a significant advancement in AI technology, offering a personalized, secure, and powerful user experience across Apple devices. By integrating AI deeply into its ecosystem, Apple aims to enhance user productivity and creativity while maintaining strict privacy standards.