Apple’s CEO subtly confirmed the imminent introduction of Generative AI to iPhones later this year, following in the footsteps of smartphone rivals Samsung and Google who recently showcased significant AI advancements. Tim Cook hinted at unveiling generative AI initiatives during an earnings call that followed Apple’s financial report, indicating a possible spotlight at the upcoming WWDC event in the summer. The expectation is that these advancements will be seamlessly integrated into the iPhone 16 series by September.
Tim Cook shared insights on Apple’s work in generative AI during the call, stating, “In terms of generative AI, which, I’d guess, is your focus, we have a lot of work going on internally as I’ve alluded to before. Our MO, if you will, has always been to do work and then talk about work and not to get out in front of ourselves. And so, we’re going to hold that to this as well. But we’ve got some things that we are incredibly excited about that we’ll be talking about later this year.”
Examining hints within the iOS 17.4 code, there are indications pointing towards potential AI integration with Siri. Expected features include content summarization and intelligent responses within Messages. Furthermore, Apple aims to enhance AI functionalities in applications like Apple Music, Pages, and Keynote.
Apple seems to be in the decision-making phase regarding the selection of an AI model, with ongoing tests exploring both on-device solutions and those reliant on an internet connection. Reports suggest a leaning towards local AI processing rather than cloud-based features, showcasing Apple’s commitment to prioritizing user experience and device efficiency.