iOS 18 brings many new AI functions to iPhones. Macs and iPads also receive “Apple Intelligence” with their operating system updates. However, many AI functions will only be available over time – including ChatGPT. In addition, only a few devices in the USA will initially receive the AI ​​upgrade.
You can never write off Apple when it comes to new technologies. The company may not always be the first to jump on a bandwagon, but when it does, it does it right. At the start of the WWDC developer conference, Tim Cook & Co. introduced “Apple Intelligence,” which means new AI capabilities that don't just come from Apple.
Vision Pro from July 12th in Germany
First, the launch of the Apple Vision Pro in other countries was announced; in Germany, the data glasses will be available from July 12th. They also come with an update to their visionOS operating system, but the improvements are limited.
iOS 18 brings, among other things, an improved dark mode to iPhones.
Then Tim Cook's team presented some design changes that will be coming to iPhones with iOS 18. This includes a dark mode that has been expanded to the look of apps. There are also minor improvements for iMessage and other apps and new security features. Only of interest in the USA for now: iPhone owners can transfer or receive money via Apple Pay by holding their smartphones together.
Routine to start with
The Photos app, which has been completely redesigned, played a special role in the presentation. The look should remain familiar, but the operation should be more intuitive. Among other things, you can create new collections and share them more easily. Users have the option of adapting the app to suit their needs.
A few but practical new features are also coming to the Airpods Pro earphones. You can now reject or accept Siri suggestions by shaking or nodding your head. They are also said to have better noise cancellation in noisy environments.
When using the Apple TV streaming box on the television, films and series should be easier to understand, among other things through the ability to highlight voices.
watchOS for the Apple Watch has also received a few improvements. Workouts can now be rated and you can track more closely whether you are sticking to a certain training plan. There are design changes such as new widgets and health data is now displayed and analyzed in more detail in a new app.
Calculator app for iPads and password app
iPadOS brings design changes and a new calculator app.
(Photo: Apple)
Apple also initially presented iPad users with only minor design changes and app improvements. A new feature is the calculator for iPads, which also allows you to use an Apple Pencil for handwritten equations and more. The notes app has the same capabilities and AI was mentioned for the first time at the show. Smart Script corrects errors and makes intelligent suggestions for handwritten notes. But that's it for iPadOS.
The new macOS was named Sequoia. It is now not only possible to mirror the content of an iPhone on Macs, but you can also control the device via the computer. Notifications are displayed separately and when you open them, you automatically have the option to interact with the iPhone – even if it is locked. It is just as easy to swap content and edit it on both devices.
While passwords could previously be synchronized and automatically used on Apple devices using the keychain function, there is now a separate password app – also for Windows. The Safari browser is receiving a few practical improvements and Macs are set to become increasingly interesting for gamers by giving developers new options. Among other things, compatibility with Windows and transfer to iPhones and iPads are set to be made easier.
“The next big step for Apple”
Only after these interesting but unspectacular changes had been implemented for all of the company's platforms did Tim Cook and his team finally come to the “next big step for Apple”: Artificial Intelligence, or more precisely “Apple Intelligence”.
Android users are already familiar with many of the AI ​​functions. These include finding images in the Photos app or providing contextual images from Mail and other apps. However, software boss Craig Federighi stressed that Apple takes data protection more seriously than its competitors. As much as possible should therefore take place on the devices and not on cloud servers. The models should also be verifiable by independent experts.
Apple also places great emphasis on data protection in AI
But Apple also has to outsource more complex tasks to servers. However, user data should never be stored, the models run exclusively on Apple servers with Apple chips and here too the security should be transparent.
Of course, the digital assistant Siri is also supposed to benefit from “Apple Intelligence”. The conversation is supposed to be more natural and you can make mistakes or leave out information that Siri understands based on the context. The assistant is now also able to explain functions on request with step-by-step instructions.
ChatGPT is coming
However, Siri has only just begun to become an AI assistant. Many more capabilities will be added over time. They are, among other things, the result of Apple's cooperation with OpenAI, which means that ChatGPT 4 will be available free of charge on iPhones, iPads and Macs.
Of course, this is not possible on the devices or via Apple's servers. To protect privacy, however, IP addresses are made unrecognizable and, according to Apple, OpenAI does not save any requests. However, if you decide to connect the accounts for additional functions, ChatGPT's data usage guidelines apply.
Help with texts, fun with pictures
With the upcoming update, “Apple Intelligence” will be able to help users with their writing. The suggestions should reflect their style. Texts can be summarized or proofread, among other things.
Texts can be rewritten, proofread and summarized.
(Photo: Apple)
The AI ​​also offers different versions to choose from to adapt the tone to a target group or a task. For example, a cover letter can be perfected or a party invitation can be made more humorous and creative.
“Apple Intelligence” is also designed to help with the organization of emails and messages; the Notes and Phone apps can be used to record, transcribe and summarize audio. The people you are talking to are informed about recordings and you can receive a summary after a phone call if you wish.
The new “Image Playground” allows users to create graphics or “Genmojis” that can be used in various apps. In the Notes app, for example, you can access them via the Pencil tool palette. As with Android, “Apple Intelligence” allows you to automatically remove distracting objects in photos and use descriptions to search for specific images or create a story.
Only for powerful Apple devices and in English
Apple users should not get too excited about “Apple Intelligence” though. For now, it will only be available in the US in the fall and only in English. In addition, only devices that have the necessary hardware will be able to enjoy the new AI. These are the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max as well as iPads and Macs that have at least Apple's M1 chip.
