Apple Intelligence: Key Updates

At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple announced "Apple Intelligence," a suite of AI-powered functionalities designed to revolutionize the usage of iPhones, Macs, and other Apple devices.?

While this announcement marks a notable shift for Apple, which has been cautious in labeling its machine-learning features as AI, it also raises questions about the company's readiness to compete directly with tech giants like Google and Microsoft. Will Apple deliver on its promises by rolling out these advanced features in the fall of 2024?

What Specific Innovations Can We Expect from Apple Intelligence?

The Anticipated Tabletop AI Robot

According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple's first AI-powered home device will be a tabletop robot. This new product category aims to integrate Apple Intelligence in a novel way, setting it apart from updates for the HomePod or Apple Watch. In April, Gurman first outlined Apple's robotics projects. He highlighted the tabletop robot as the most advanced in development, although still in the early stages. Here's what he said:

"The iPhone maker has also developed an advanced tabletop home device that uses robotics to move a display... The idea was for the display to mimic the head movements—like nodding—of a person during a FaceTime session. Additionally, it would have the capability to accurately follow a single person in a crowd during a video call."

Gurman has also cautioned that anyone expecting to see Apple Intelligence on Apple's home devices will have to "wait for the company to introduce its AI-powered tabletop robot." Therefore, this will be Apple's first home product to utilize Apple Intelligence. The reason is simple: other products need to be more powerful.?

This brings us to the new HomePod. Those paying attention will recall that for about a year, there has been much talk of a new HomePod with a screen.

As mentioned earlier, the new features related to Apple Intelligence, along with the new Siri (which will reportedly draw from ChatGPT and has sparked criticism from Elon Musk), will not arrive on current home devices. However, they may not even arrive on a future HomePod. In fact, they are currently reserved for the new robot.

What would prevent Apple from introducing a device we could call a HomePod, which is equipped with a robotic mobile screen and Apple Intelligence?

Last week, references in Apple's code mentioned an unknown device called "HomeAccessory17,1," which many believe could be the new HomePod with a screen. Apple may release a HomePod with a screen but without Siri. Siri may instead debut later on the new "tabletop robot."

Unfortunately, we cannot answer these questions at the moment. Still, one thing everyone agrees on is that the development of Apple Intelligence has been rather hurried and focused mainly on Apple's most popular devices, such as iPhones.

Siri's Evolution with Apple Intelligence

Apple claims that Siri, its virtual assistant, will become more intelligent and useful than ever before with the integration of Apple Intelligence. Siri is expected to perform complex tasks, such as locating identification documents among thousands of photos and automatically filling out forms. Additionally, Siri will generate context-based emojis and provide writing suggestions and corrections.?

However, the company will introduce these improvements gradually. The first updates are expected this autumn. The full implementation, slated for spring 2025, highlights a significant leap but also suggests that Apple may be struggling to meet its ambitious timeline.

AI-Enhanced AirPods and Future Innovations

Apple's AI plans also include future AirPods models equipped with integrated cameras and infrared sensors for gesture and hand movement detection, as well as environmental awareness. These features could aid in navigation and information retrieval, similar to the functionality seen in Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. However, these new AirPods Pro could be released in a few generations. This delay indicates that these innovations still need to become a reality. However, it may also frustrate consumers who are eager for innovative technology.

Initial Limitations and Future Prospects

At launch, Apple Intelligence will only be available on devices set to American English. This means a large portion of Apple's global user base will have to wait longer to experience these new AI features. Users outside the United States, including those in the European Union, will face significant delays in accessing Apple Intelligence. This limitation underscores Apple's continued focus on its home market at the expense of its international customers.

Furthermore, some of the most anticipated functionalities will be ready after the launch. For example, Siri's ability to perform app-based actions and its contextual awareness of on-screen content will not be immediately available. These features, which promise to make Siri a more versatile assistant, will require additional development time, suggesting that Apple's AI capabilities may not be as advanced as it claims.

Enhancements in the Mail App

Apple Intelligence is also set to bring improvements to the Mail app, including automatic message categorization and intelligent summaries. These enhancements aim to transform email management but will not be part of the initial autumn release. Instead, they are expected to be introduced by the end of the year with subsequent iOS 18 updates. This phased rollout reflects Apple's cautious approach and possibly a need for more readiness for a full-scale launch.

Bottom Line

Apple's entry into the AI arena with Apple Intelligence represents a potentially transformative development for its devices. However, the company's delayed and piecemeal approach raises questions about its ability to deliver on its promises. Users, especially those outside the US, will need to be patient as Apple gradually rolls out these features. Apple's careful yet ambitious strategy may enhance the functionality and user experience of its devices. However, it's unclear if Apple can compete with industry leaders in AI.