Apple has made all sorts of announcements, some of which have to do with AI upgrades. What the tech giant is planning in the near future.
At this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple presented a number of new features, including numerous features from the world of artificial intelligence (AI), even if Apple still doesn’t want to call it that, preferring to speak of “Apple Intelligence”. However, the new features are not available on all Apple devices, and there are currently restrictions on iPhones in particular. Which updates and features Apple will be rolling out in the near future.
Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, is set to benefit from the AI upgrades and become even better in the future. When Siri speaks, a pulsating light will appear on the edge of the iPhone. Improved speech processing using large language models (LLMs) will ensure that Siri gives more precise answers and understands follow-up questions better. This feature, like Apple’s other announcements, is set to be introduced in the fall of this year.
In addition, Siri will be able to forward requests to OpenAI’s ChatGPT if the user so wishes. Apple has made an agreement with OpenAI that means no additional accounts are required for this. In terms of data protection, Apple promises that not even they themselves will have access to the data exchanged here. Apple is initially making the new “Apple Intelligence” features possible for iPhone 15 Pro as well as iPads and Macs equipped with an M1 chip or newer.
New features in iOS 18
About the operating system iOS18 Apple is introducing a variety of new AI features. These include the ability to summarize emails and generate replies, as well as “Genmoji,” a feature for creating custom emojis. The new “Image Playground” also allows images to be generated based on text input. In addition, the Photos app is getting an AI upgrade that allows both voice control and image manipulation, comparable to Google’s “Magic Eraser.”
Another focus is on the customizability of the operating system. iOS 18 comes with a new, more flexible control center and the ability to freely place app icons on the home screen. For the first time, Apple is also allowing its users to customize the color of the icons. This means that the days when the home screen of every iPhone looked almost identical are over. In addition, certain apps can be blocked to prevent third parties from using them. The announced support for the “Rich Communication Services” protocol (RCS) will also become a reality with iOS 18.
Extensions for iMessage and Apple TV Plus
iMessage is also getting enhancements, including the ability to schedule text messages and send SMS messages via satellite. New colorful Tapback options and the ability to make text bold, underlined or italic are also part of the update.
Apple TV Plus is introducing a new feature that allows users to use the remote control to access information about movie stars and music tracks in films and series while the respective content is playing. Automatic subtitles when muted and support for 21:9 projectors are also among the new features.
Cross-platform apps and updates
Apple is also releasing a cross-platform solution for managing passwords with the “Passwords” app. This app will be available on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS and Windows, among others. Many people are making fun of the fact that the iPad is getting a calculator app for the first time in more than a decade. However, it has a “Math Notes” function. The feature not only allows you to recognize and solve handwritten equations, but can also display corresponding graphs and change them in real time if you change something in the equation.
The upcoming macOS update enables mirroring the iPhone on the Mac, a feature that many have been waiting for. Users can now take full control of their iPhone from their Mac. In combination with a wireless charging station, the iPhone becomes an additional display and can support the workflow without having to constantly pick it up. The Safari browser also gets the new “Highlights” function, which automatically highlights interesting content on websites.
New features for watchOS 11, visionOS and AirPods
watchOS 11 is also coming numerous innovationsincluding widgets that are automatically added based on user needs. A new “Vitals” app provides an overview of important health data, while new features for cycle tracking and live activity are introduced.
With visionOS 2, Apple is bringing the first major update to the Vision Pro operating system. One of the new features uses machine learning to bring three-dimensional depth to existing 2D photos. Other improvements include support for an ultra-wide virtual Mac display, more intuitive gestures and a travel mode for train journeys. The availability of the Vision Pro will also expanded to other countriesincluding Germany, where the VR glasses can be pre-ordered from June 28th.
Finally, the AirPods Pro are also getting an update that allows new ways to interact with Siri using head movements. After all, some people find simply nodding or shaking their head more pleasant in public than speaking to Siri. Owners of AirPods with an H2 chip will also be able to accept or reject calls with gestures or interact with messages without saying a single word. Apple will also be equipping the AirPods with the “Voice Isolation” feature from the fall, which is designed to improve voice quality when making phone calls and filter out background noise.