At WWDC 2024, Apple unveiled a number of updates to its software to prioritize AI, or “Apple Intelligence,” in your iPhones, iPads, and Macs. After Samsung and Google pushed AI on phones, it’s now Apple’s turn to try to change the script and make smartphones, tablets, and laptops “smarter” by introducing its own AI.
If you woke up this morning looking for a major hardware announcement, or even a hint or teaser for a new phone or Mac design, it’s best you go back to your cozy cave and hibernate until the next big Apple event. In terms of software, Apple Intelligence will be available in the majority of user-end apps, including automated summarizations and AI-enhanced picture editing. ChatGPT will be available on the next iPhones, as the Cupertino, California-based tech giant plans to make the chatbot accessible anywhere on the phone without the need for an app.
Even if AI isn’t your thing, there are a few new features to be enthusiastic about. iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 are on their way, offering some much-anticipated new features. A good instance is the iPhone lock screen update, which lets users to position their widgets and icons anywhere they want. Another update to Messenger will finally allow it to use the RCS protocol. Say goodbye to the green bubbles forever.
Meanwhile, iPads and Macs are gaining some new and surprising features, like as a full-fledged Calculator app that supports scribbling and iPhone mirroring on macOS Sequoia. Many of these updates are scheduled for the fall of this year, though betas should begin to roll out in the coming months.
Here are the key announcements from the event:
AI FUNCTIONALITY
Apple Intelligence: Introduced a series of generative AI-powered features within native applications as part of the latest operating systems for iPhones, Macs, and iPads.
Siri: Now capable of retrieving information from messages, emails, calendars, photos, and third-party apps to answer a wider range of queries and accomplish tasks. Users can also interact via text.
ChatGPT Integration: Apple is incorporating ChatGPT technology to enhance the understanding of images and documents and to help users compose and edit text messages.
AI Processing: Most AI processes will run on the device, with more complex tasks handled by Apple’s servers through a new offering called Private Cloud Compute, which uses Apple’s own server chips to power AI features across all devices.
Availability: Apple Intelligence will be available on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad and Mac with M1 and later.
OPERATING SYSTEMS
iOS 18: Offers the ability to arrange apps and widgets freely on the home screen, customize the lock screen and control center, and introduces media playback controls.
macOS Sequoia: Introduces iPhone Mirroring, allowing the phone’s screen to be viewed and interacted with on Mac computers.
iPadOS 18: Finally includes a calculator app with advanced capabilities, such as the Math Notes calculator, which allows users to type or write out mathematical expressions and see them instantly solved in their handwriting.
WatchOS 11: Features the Vitals app, showing important health metrics at a glance, and a training mode to better show how workouts impact the user’s body.
VisionOS 2: Offers improved gesture controls and spatial photos.
APPLICATION UPDATES
Messages: Can now be sent via satellite when cellular and Wi-Fi connections aren’t available.
Mail App: Can automatically sort emails into personal, marketing, and transactional categories.
Safari: Introduces a Highlight feature, surfacing key information about a webpage, such as locating a restaurant or listening to an artist’s track directly from an article.
Notes and Phone Apps: Users can now record, transcribe, and summarize audio.
Image Playground: A new image-generation tool was announced.
Photos App: Improved search capabilities and a new ability to find specific moments in video clips.
