Apple Brings AI to iPhone: Key Features to Watchl

30.10.2024

Apple launched its Apple Intelligence suite on Monday, introducing its first wave of AI-powered tools to select devices through its latest software updates, including iOS 18.1 for iPhones, iPadOS 18.1 for iPads, and macOS Sequoia 15 for Macs. Available initially for iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, Apple Intelligence marks Apple’s entry into generative AI technology, aimed at enhancing user experiences by generating content based on user prompts.

The new Apple Intelligence features include advanced Writing Tools for improved proofreading, summarizing, and editing. Additionally, Siri is now more conversational, activated by a glowing visual cue. The Photos app also received significant upgrades, allowing users to search for photos by describing visual elements and remove unwanted objects with a feature called Clean Up. Users can transcribe calls and audio notes within the Phone and Notes apps, with summaries provided by Apple Intelligence.

However, this initial release leaves out some anticipated features, such as Image Wand for sketch-based image generation and Genmoji, which will arrive in December with iOS 18.2. These updates will further enhance Siri’s capabilities and introduce new tools, like real-time information retrieval by hovering the iPhone camera over objects. Apple expects these December updates to increase user engagement with its AI ecosystem significantly.

Apple’s AI push comes at a time of slowing iPhone sales, with the iPhone 16’s pre-orders totaling approximately 37 million units, a 12% decline compared to last year. Ming-Chi Kuo, a prominent Apple analyst, noted that Apple recently adjusted its iPhone production forecast, reducing orders by about 10 million units into early 2025. This cautious outlook indicates that Apple Intelligence may take time to make a meaningful impact on iPhone sales.

Industry experts see Apple Intelligence as part of a multi-year strategy. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives believes Apple’s integration of AI will resonate with a significant global audience over time. CFRA’s Angelo Zino adds that while this initial release may have limited short-term effects, the upcoming features in December and early 2025 should drive more substantial consumer interest, further embedding AI within Apple’s ecosystem.