WWDC 2024 Preview: Apple Set to Unveil Groundbreaking AI Features in iOS 18
Apple is gearing up for a momentous leap in innovation with the imminent release of its iPhone 16 lineup, poised to be equipped with cutting-edge Generative AI features. This move comes as Apple endeavors to bridge the gap in the artificial intelligence arena, an area where rivals like Google and Samsung have made significant strides with their recent offerings—the Pixel 8 and the Galaxy S24 series, respectively, both boasting advanced AI-based tools and applications.
The pivotal shift in Apple’s AI strategy is expected to unfold with the launch of iOS 18, a major update that has been shrouded in anticipation and speculation. According to insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in the Power On newsletter, iOS 18, codenamed Crystal, is not just an incremental update; instead, it is projected to be “one of the biggest iOS updates — if not the biggest — in the company’s history.” This revelation is accompanied by the promise of “ambitious changes” that could reshape the user experience and functionality of Apple’s mobile operating system.
The significance of iOS 18’s potential impact on Apple’s ecosystem is further underscored by Gurman’s assertion that it is seen within the company as a milestone update, possibly the most significant in its storied history. The prospect of ambitious changes has heightened expectations, making the upcoming Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June a highly anticipated event. Gurman’s anticipation of an exciting showcase of iOS 18’s AI offerings at the conference only adds to the intrigue surrounding Apple’s roadmap for the next iteration of its operating system.
As the competition in the AI landscape continues to intensify, Apple’s strategic move to incorporate Generative AI features in iOS 18 signifies not only a catch-up with industry peers but also a bold step toward redefining the iOS experience. The convergence of advanced AI capabilities with Apple’s ecosystem is expected to unlock new possibilities and set the stage for a groundbreaking chapter in the company’s legacy. The unveiling of iOS 18 at WWDC 2024 is poised to mark a significant milestone, not just for Apple but for the broader landscape of mobile technology and artificial intelligence.
While Apple has stayed tight-lipped about the generative AI features coming to iOS 18, reports have said that Siri, the on-device assistant on iPhone, is set to get a major AI overhaul. The revamped Siri is expected to be powered by Apple’s Large Language Model (LLM).
Other apps like Apple Music and Messages could also get AI features like better music recommendations, playlist generation, and improved text suggestions. Apple’s suite of productivity apps like Pages, Numbers, and Keynote could also receive AI-based upgrades, Gurman had said in October last year.
The development of AI features for its devices is likely to cost Apple around $1 billion (roughly Rs. 8,300 crore) over the next year. Back in November, Gurman had said that the iPhone 16 series will lack major hardware upgrades, thus requiring iOS 18 to be “extra impressive.”
Apple rival Samsung recently debuted its flagship Galaxy S24 series of smartphones with Galaxy AI features like Live Translate, Note Assist, Circle to Search and more. The South Korean manufacturer has partnered with Google to bundle AI services on its latest phones, utilising the company’s Gemini AI model.