On June 11, 2024, Apple launched its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), a key event where the company reveals its latest software and technology. This year’s event generated considerable excitement, particularly with the announcement of iOS 18 and Apple's cutting-edge AI technology, Apple Intelligence. This advanced AI will be seamlessly integrated into iOS 18, enhancing native applications throughout Apple's ecosystem.
Rokid's founder and CEO, Zhu Mingming, emphasized the significance of Apple's developments for the future of AI in applications and hardware. He noted that while smartphones are currently the best platform for AI, there's a strong shift toward augmented reality (AR) glasses. "Unless AI products dramatically differ from smartphone experiences, they will struggle to compete with phones," he stated.
A standout moment at WWDC was Apple's collaboration with OpenAI to upgrade Siri with the advanced GPT-4 model. This enhancement will make Siri significantly more responsive and context-aware, allowing it to recall previous interactions and manage nuanced commands, thus minimizing the need for users to repeat themselves.
In response to privacy concerns related to AI, Apple introduced Private Cloud Compute technology, ensuring user data remains confidential while leveraging AI features. Apple Intelligence will be included at no additional cost in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, compatible with devices such as the iPhone 15 Pro and M1-equipped iPads and Macs.
iOS 18 also brings a comprehensive system upgrade heralded as one of the most significant upgrades in iPhone history. Users will gain access to call recording features—previously speculated but not implemented in iOS 14—with a system that automatically notifies recorded parties.
Visually, iOS 18 features a new customizable home screen, enabling users to personalize app icons, colors, and layouts. The Control Center has been redesigned, now featuring a prominent power button for easier access and a multi-page layout for efficient settings management. Additionally, the new "Control Library" feature allows third-party developers to integrate widgets into the Control Center.
Another major update is the ability to send encrypted SMS messages via satellite on the iPhone 14 and later models. Additionally, users can now secure sensitive applications using the long-awaited app lock feature, enhancing privacy and security.
In summary, Apple's WWDC 2024 showcased transformative innovations in AI and user experience, positioning the iPhone as a more versatile device while prioritizing security and personalization.