Apple, a technology giant, showcased its latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024. The company introduced new AI features for its iPhone and other devices, including Siri becoming a chatbot with thoughtful and thorough responses to questions. Apple is partnering with OpenAI for these new AI features, which may face criticism regarding user data privacy and trust. Most of the AI functions will be done on the phone to ensure privacy and security.
Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, emphasized the importance of making AI personal, powerful, intuitive, easy to use, grounded in personal contexts like routine and relationships. The push into AI could boost growth for iPhone sales and services as users wait longer to upgrade devices in an uncertain economic environment.
The new features include Siri generating email summaries, creating customized emojis using text fields (Genmoji), allowing Siri to take actions on behalf of the user, and integrating these features into most Apple apps such as Mail and Messages. The company also introduced a feature called Image Wand that lets users circle text to create images with Apple Pencil.
Despite the advancements, there are concerns regarding regulatory scrutiny in Washington and potential competition from chip maker Nvidia. However, Cook stated that AI's role is not to replace users but to empower them.
Apple Intelligence, as the new generative AI offering is called, will be available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and devices with M1 or later chips. Users must give permission before Siri sends questions, documents, or photos to OpenAI's chatbot. ChatGPT will be available in systemwide AI writing tools and can generate images without storing user requests.