Apple iOS 18 expected to be a big software update, iPhone could be getting AI features

[Daniel Sims]

Rumor mill: Microsoft, Google, among others have introduced numerous products and services leveraging generative AI since OpenAI's breakthroughs popularized the technology in 2022. However, chief rival Apple, taking a cautious approach, has yet to unveil anything incorporating generative AI. That could change starting this year, as reports indicate iOS 18 could be one of the company's largest-ever software releases.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that iOS 18, expected to launch in 2024, could be Apple's most significant OS update ever. It could mark the Cupertino giant's entrance into the generative AI arena that Microsoft, Google, Nvidia, and OpenAI have dominated.

Writing in the subscriber-only Q&A section of Bloomberg's Power On newsletter, Gurman promised to share more at a later date. However, the lofty description of iOS 18 strengthens prior reports regarding Apple's planned feature updates for this year.

The spearhead of Apple's initial AI push could be an improved version of Siri that leverages the company's large language model, internally codenamed "Ajax GPT." The new Siri would likely include functionality similar to generative AI-based chatbots like ChatGTP or Google Bard.

The latest on iOS 18 from the Q&A section of Power On: I'm told that the new operating system is seen within the company as one of the biggest iOS updates – if not the biggest – in the company's history. Stay tuned for more. https://t.co/w2Lt7itezV

– Mark Gurman (@markgurman) January 28, 2024

Although Apple spends millions on AI development, CEO Tim Cook admits that it prioritizes being better over being first. The Cupertino giant has no desire to stumble into the controversies other generative AI systems have encountered regarding accuracy and copyright.

Aside from Siri, Apple is also considering incorporating AI into other applications like Apple Music, Pages, and Keynote. It could also apply the technology to its Xcode platform to facilitate writing code and spotting errors.

Prior reports indicate that Apple's LLM will run on built-in chips, unlike other widely-used models that rely on cloud servers. The AI would leverage the neural engines featured in the last few generations of Apple devices.

Apple might also introduce Rich Communication Services (RCS) support into its messaging platform with iOS 18. Last year, the company confirmed plans to add the protocol sometime in late 2024. Implementing RCS would allow non-iPhone users to send text messages to iPhones with advanced features like high-resolution media, read receipts, end-to-end encryption, and more.

Morgan Stanley analysts expect Apple to introduce iOS 18 with a developer beta release at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, which will primarily center on AI. As usual, the new firmware will likely receive a public release in September.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/101686-apple-ios-18-expected-big-software-update-iphone.html

 

[Aus spot]

“AI would leverage the neural engines featured in the last few generations of Apple devices.”

Would be good if a clarification to the story be made that lists what generation of devices that are expected to be able to use this feature?

I have iphone (example). I have no idea what chips are in it.

 

[FaTaL]

Prior reports indicate that Apple's LLM will run on built-in chips

Ah look at that, another method Apple is adopting to force phone upgrades....


...|...

 

[Burty117]

Ah so are we finally going to see the NPU built onto the most recent iPhones get to stretch its legs?

I believe the A11 (iPhone 8) was the first to put one in and they’ve all had them since. Although, I assume newer NPU’s perform much better, so it might be running Siri as she is now is much easier than this new LLM they appear to be planning.

 

[p51d007]

Everyone is pushing this AI nonsense before they have even "perfected" it (if that is possible).
Just another marketing push to goad people into "upgrading".

 

[Neatfeatguy]

Yep, any Apple phone that can do the iOS18 update - I bet you're going to see a drop in performance and that means you'll need to upgrade to the next best Apple phone for more RAM and maybe faster CPU!

Apple knows what it's doing - give them what they want (or what some people don't want) and watch the people getting a better phone so they can run the crap they shove down their throats.

At least that's my take on it.

 

[Mr Majestyk]

Yeah I've heard they are getting 6 new emojis. Bleeding edge stuff right there folks.

 

[Nobina]

What exactly is the AI meant to do? They are always so vague about it. Whenever someone talks about it they just use expensive words without telling anything of substance.

 

[erickmendes]

Ah look at that, another method Apple is adopting to force phone upgrades....

Apple being apple.

 

[erickmendes]

What exactly is the AI meant to do?

That:

Ah look at that, another method Apple is adopting to force phone upgrades....

 

[Neatfeatguy]

What exactly is the AI meant to do? They are always so vague about it. Whenever someone talks about it they just use expensive words without telling anything of substance.

Nothing that current algorithms don't already do. They use information they store about you such as search preferences, application use and so on. The "AI" is just that, a new way to say algorithms. It really isn't anything more than a program designed to parrot back information it finds and try to guess how or what you're going to use your device for next.

So. What sounds better? AI? Or updated algorithms?

 

[Nobina]

Nothing that current algorithms don't already do. They use information they store about you such as search preferences, application use and so on. The "AI" is just that, a new way to say algorithms. It really isn't anything more than a program designed to parrot back information it finds and try to guess how or what you're going to use your device for next.

So. What sounds better? AI? Or updated algorithms?

Bet if you ask them "what do you mean by that" they **** their pants.