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Apple is gearing up for a major update to its mobile operating system, iOS 18, which is expected to launch later this year. The update will reportedly include several new artificial intelligence (AI) features that will enhance the user experience and functionality of various apps and services.
According to Bloomberg, Apple considers iOS 18 to be one of the “biggest iOS updates” ever, with a focus on AI. The company has been developing its large language model (LLM) system, called AppleGPT, which can understand and generate natural language. AppleGPT is based on a common framework, Ajax, that Apple created in 2022 to unify its machine-learning projects across all its platforms.
Apple has been testing its AI models using OpenAI’s ChatGPT API, as reported by 9to5Mac, which found evidence of Apple’s AI work in iOS 17.4. ChatGPT is a popular platform that can generate realistic and engaging conversations using AI.
Siri gets smarter with iOS 18 AI
One of the most anticipated AI features coming to iOS 18 is a new version of Siri, Apple’s voice assistant. Siri will reportedly become more intelligent and conversational, thanks to AppleGPT. Siri will be able to handle more complex queries and tasks and provide more relevant and personalized responses.
Siri will also be able to leverage the power of other AI platforms, such as ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, which is a rival LLM system that Google launched in 2023. Gemini can answer questions, write summaries, and generate content using AI.
Apple Music gets AI-powered playlists
Another AI feature rumored to come to iOS 18 is a new way to create playlists on Apple Music. Users will be able to generate playlists automatically, based on their preferences, mood, and listening history. The AI will also suggest songs that match the user’s taste and style.
Apple Music already has some AI features, such as personalized recommendations, smart mixes, and spatial audio. However, the new AI feature will make the music streaming service more dynamic and customized.
Pages, Keynote, and Numbers get AI integration
Apple’s productivity apps, Pages, Keynote, and Numbers, will also get some AI integration in iOS 18, according to the rumors. The AI will help users with content creation, summarization, and editing. For example, the AI will be able to generate headlines, captions, bullet points, and charts, based on the user’s input. The AI will also be able to summarize long documents, highlight key points, and suggest improvements.
The AI integration will make the productivity apps more efficient and user-friendly, and help users with their work and school projects.
Xcode gets AI features for code completion and testing
Xcode, Apple’s development environment for creating apps for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, will also benefit from the new AI features in iOS 18. The AI can assist developers with code completion, testing, and debugging. The AI will be able to generate blocks of code, based on the user’s intent and context. The AI will also be able to test the apps, find errors, and suggest fixes.
The AI features for Xcode will make the development process faster and easier, and help developers create better apps for Apple’s platforms.
Spotlight Search gets a generative AI upgrade
Spotlight Search, Apple’s system-wide search feature, will also get a generative AI upgrade in iOS 18. The generative AI will be able to perform more complex tasks, such as booking flights, ordering food, and making reservations, using natural language. The generative AI will also be able to provide more information and options, based on the user’s query and location.
The generative AI upgrade will make Spotlight Search more powerful and versatile, and provide a seamless user experience.
Apple Health and Apple Watch get an AI-powered wellness coach
One of the most innovative AI features coming to iOS 18 is an AI-powered wellness coach, that will be integrated into Apple Health and Apple Watch. The wellness coach will be able to monitor the user’s health and fitness and provide personalized guidance and feedback. The wellness coach will also be able to motivate the user, set goals, and track progress.
The wellness coach will be a unique feature that will differentiate Apple Health and Apple Watch from other health and fitness apps and devices.
Messages get new AI features for auto-completion, answering, and summarization
The Messages app, Apple’s default messaging app, will also get some new AI features in iOS 18. The AI will be able to auto-complete messages, based on the user’s typing and context. The AI will also be able to answer questions, such as “What’s the weather like?” or “How are you?”, using natural language. The AI will also be able to summarize incoming text messages and provide the user with the main points and actions.
The iOS 18 update introduces enhanced AI capabilities to Messages, elevating the messaging app’s convenience and interactivity, ultimately facilitating improved communication for users.
Apple’s AI frameworks and models
Apple has already launched several powerful AI frameworks and models, including those available for developers and researchers on iOS 18. Some of these are:
- Core ML: Apple’s machine learning framework that lets developers integrate machine learning models into their apps.
- Create ML: Apple’s tool that lets developers create and train custom machine learning models using Swift code or a graphical interface.
- Vision: Apple’s framework that lets developers perform image analysis and computer vision tasks, such as face detection, object recognition, and barcode scanning.
- Natural Language: Apple’s framework lets developers perform natural language processing tasks, such as text classification, sentiment analysis, and language identification.
- Speech: Apple’s framework that lets developers perform speech recognition and synthesis tasks, such as speech-to-text and text-to-speech.
- Sound Analysis: Apple’s framework that lets developers perform sound analysis tasks, such as sound classification, sound event detection, and sound generation.
- RealityKit: Apple’s framework that lets developers create augmented reality experiences, such as 3D objects, animations, and effects.
- ARKit: Apple’s framework that lets developers create augmented reality apps, using the device’s camera and sensors.
- ML Compute: Apple’s framework that lets developers leverage the power of the GPU and CPU for machine learning training and inference.
- AppleGPT: Apple’s large language model system that can understand and generate natural language, based on Ajax, Apple’s common machine learning framework.
- Apple Keyframer: Apple’s model that can generate AI animation from a still image and a text prompt.
- Apple Photo Editor: Apple’s model that can edit photos using text commands.
What’s next for Apple’s AI?
Apple may reveal more information about its AI projects and capabilities later this year, potentially at the WWDC in June. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, mentioned this during the company’s recent earnings call, stating that Apple is dedicating a significant amount of resources to AI technologies and expressing his anticipation to disclose more about their progress in this area later in the year.
Cook’s teaser was unusual, as he rarely reveals anything about Apple’s future plans. He may have done so to reassure investors and analysts that Apple is not falling behind its competitors, such as OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft, in the AI field. These companies have been making headlines with their AI breakthroughs and products, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Azure.
However, Apple has always been known for its secrecy and innovation, and it may have some surprises in store for its fans and customers. iOS 18 is likely to be one of the most exciting and impressive updates ever, with a host of new AI features that will make Apple’s devices and services smarter, better, and more fun.
