According to the esteemed tech journalist and Apple observer Mark Gurman, Apple is gearing up to introduce substantial relational AI features in its upcoming iOS version to keep pace with competitors in the AI integration race. Gurman hinted at several initiatives that Apple is expected to unveil at its 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference, scheduled for June, as detailed in his recent publication in Energy On magazine for Bloomberg.
Moreover, the leading wireless accessories at Les 2024 will feature Qi2 chargers, face-tracking cellphone stands, and more.
Apple’s primary objectives include integrating AI functionalities such as auto-summarization and automatic completion into core productivity tools like Pages and Keynote. Another key focus for Apple is the integration of AI into products like Apple Music, aiming to enhance playlist curation through AI algorithms. Lastly, Gurman suggests that Apple is gearing up for a significant overhaul of Siri.
In addition to these advancements, Apple is working on innovative Xcode and various programming tools that leverage generative AI to assist developers in coding. Gurman further elaborated, stating, “Additionally, the company is developing a new AI-powered program for AppleCare staff to enhance customer support in troubleshooting technical issues.”
Despite Apple’s efforts, it lags behind major players like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google, who have already capitalized on generative AI technologies. While Apple has made strides in integrating AI into its products and services, it has yet to achieve significant success. This poses a considerable risk for a company that prides itself on innovation in consumer technology, as highlighted by Gurman.
Furthermore, preorders for Apple Vision Pro will commence on January 19, with the official launch scheduled for February 2.
The competitive landscape in the Artificial Intelligence market is intensifying, with reports indicating that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S24 will boast various AI capabilities upon its unveiling later this month. The new smartphone is expected to leverage AI for image processing, email composition, text conversion, voice recognition, and more.
Persistent concerns regarding Siri’s performance have been compounded by Apple’s sluggish adoption of AI technologies. Many iPhone users, myself included, have expressed frustration over Siri’s limited functionality and reliability. According to a report from The Information last April, Apple employees have voiced widespread dissatisfaction with Siri’s performance and lack of substantial improvements, reflecting broader discontent within the company.
Moreover, phone manufacturers are showing great interest in the “multispectral camcorder,” which promises enhanced color accuracy surpassing that of the human eye.
Gurman predicts that Apple’s vision for generative AI may not reach full fruition until 2025, despite the significant AI advancements expected in this year’s iOS and iPhone releases, along with improvements to Siri.
Apple’s foray into conceptual AI tools is slated to occur nearly two years after the rise of ChatGPT, one year post the unveiling of Amazon’s enhanced Alexa, and eighteen months following the introduction of new AI services by Microsoft and Google. This delay marks a significant challenge for Apple in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
