Apple is rumored to be working on several artificial intelligence-powered capabilities that may debut exclusively on the upcoming iPhone 16 line. These new AI features would allow Apple to catch up to Android phones with existing AI functionalities.
After Google rolled out AI features on its Pixel phones, Apple aims to bring its own set of AI tools tailored to iPhone and iOS. The company wants to transform Siri into a robust AI assistant and integrate AI across native apps.
Good news:
Apple is currently using LLM to completely revamp Siri into the ultimate virtual assistant and is preparing to develop it into Apple’s most powerful killer AI app.
This integrated development effort is actively underway, and the first product is expected to be… pic.twitter.com/rN3Fh3sw7L
— Revegnus (@Tech_Reve) November 9, 2023
Potential AI Features Based on Rumors
Specific possibilities reported so far include:
- Enhanced auto-complete and question-answering in Messages powered by AI to make conversations more seamless.
- AI-generated personalized playlists in Apple Music tailored to listener preferences and listening history.
- Writing assistance in Pages to help craft documents by suggesting wording and sentence structures.
- Automated creation of slideshow presentations in Keynote using AI to design layouts and arrange information.
- Significantly upgraded Siri through AI to handle broader queries and tasks. Apple may market it as an “AI assistant.”
These rumored features appear more limited than existing AI capabilities on Android devices. For example, Google Pixel phones can already summarize news articles or perform complex image edits completely on-device.
Apple’s approach may focus more narrowly on tight integration with its apps and services. But full details remain unknown pending official announcements.
Bringing AI to iPhone to Catch Up with Competition
Incorporating exclusive AI features into the iPhone 16 would help Apple catch up to Android’s existing AI lead. Google, Samsung, and others have touted their AI assistants and functions.
By elevating Siri with AI and expanding AI to first-party apps, Apple can market the iPhone 16 as an AI-first device while preserving its walled garden ecosystem.
Apple typically previews major initiatives like its AI plans at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. WWDC 2023 should provide the first look at Apple’s revamped AI offerings before the iPhone 16 launch later in 2023.
Unclear How Much Will Be On-Device vs. Cloud-Based
One key question is how much of Apple’s AI will be processed directly on the iPhone 16 versus relying on cloud connectivity.
On-device processing allows for greater privacy and speed. But cloud-dependent features can use more advanced AI unavailable on a phone. Google employs a mix of both for Pixel phones.
Apple’s plans likely involve a blend as well. More advanced AI features may link to Apple servers while basic functionality runs locally on the iPhone 16.
No Drastic Overhaul Expected…Yet
While Apple’s first foray into AI on the iPhone 16 sounds ambitious, it likely won’t drastically alter the user experience overnight.
Rumored additions like smarter messaging, automated playlists, and presentation creation provide incremental utility without radically expanding what an iPhone can do.
Of course, Apple is certainly working on more transformational AI behind the scenes. But its initial consumer offerings will probably be modest and conservative, relative to the AI hype.
However, all it takes is one standout AI feature to wow iPhone users and set high expectations for the future. If Apple can deliver that, it may reframe how its devices are perceived.