Apple is quietly enhancing its artificial intelligence capabilities through a series of acquisitions, new hires, and technology upgrades for the upcoming iPhone models. The company is focusing on the technical challenge of implementing AI on mobile devices, as indicated by industry data, academic papers, and insiders in the tech sector.
According to PitchBook research, Apple has acquired 21 AI startups since the start of 2017, outpacing other major tech companies. The most recent acquisition was WaveOne, a California-based company specializing in AI-powered video compression, acquired in early 2023.
Analysts like Daniel Ives from Wedbush Securities suggest that Apple is gearing up for significant mergers and acquisitions in the AI space to stay competitive in the ongoing AI arms race. The company has been increasingly incorporating “Deep Learning” into its AI job postings, a technology that enables human-like text, audio, and speech generation.
While Apple has traditionally been secretive about its AI initiatives compared to its Big Tech rivals, insiders reveal that the company is developing its proprietary large language models for generative AI applications like ChatGPT from OpenAI.
Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has emphasized the company’s commitment to responsible innovation in AI research and development. The company aims to leverage on-device AI processing to enhance performance and reduce reliance on cloud services for AI applications.
Despite competitors like Samsung and Google introducing AI features on smartphones, Apple is expected to unveil its latest advancements in AI at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference. Speculations suggest that the new operating system, apps 18, will incorporate conceptual AI capabilities, potentially integrating large language models into Siri.
Apple has also introduced new chips optimized for AI tasks, such as the M3 Max chip for MacBook and the A17 Pro chip for iPhone 15, boasting improved neural processing capabilities. The company’s collaboration with Columbia University has led to the development of an on-device large language model called “Ferret” for research purposes.
Investors are optimistic about Apple’s AI investments, anticipating a boost in iPhone upgrade cycles due to the integration of new AI features in upcoming models. Bank of America analysts foresee Apple’s AI strategy enhancing its ecosystem and ensuring customer loyalty, distinguishing it from competitors like Google and Amazon.
In conclusion, Apple’s strategic focus on AI innovation underscores its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements while maintaining a competitive edge in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
