Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) next week is set to mark a significant moment in the company’s history. While the Vision Pro was unveiled at last year's event, hardware announcements won’t take center stage at WWDC 2024, which kicks off Monday at 10 a.m. PT.
WWDC primarily focuses on developers, with much attention directed towards iOS 18. The tech giant from Cupertino is prepared to demonstrate its integration of AI technology across its devices and software, particularly through a groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI. As the event approaches, numerous leaks have surfaced regarding the anticipated AI-powered applications and features in iOS 18.
Reports suggest that Apple’s new AI capabilities will harness its Ajax large language model (LLM) for functionalities like suggested email replies. Additionally, Apple is working on a data processing approach that restricts employee access, thereby enhancing its reputation for data privacy and user protection.
Here’s what to expect from iOS 18 as Apple looks to integrate AI into its apps and services, alongside various other enhancements.
Siri’s AI Revolution
Apple's digital assistant is gearing up for a significant AI transformation. The upgraded Siri will utilize Apple’s own large language models, enabling it to perform tasks within apps without requiring any setup from developers or users, unlike current methods like App Intents or Siri Shortcuts. Instead, users can simply ask Siri to perform actions such as deleting an email or editing a photo.
Some advanced features may not be ready until next year, including Siri's capability to manage multi-step tasks. This enhanced version will also extend to Apple Watch, allowing users to control playback on other devices. Expect more natural-sounding voices and features like summarizing notifications related to people, companies, events, and locations.
Revamped Apple Photos
A redesigned interface for Apple Photos is on the horizon, featuring AI-driven retouching capabilities that may rival Google Photos. A proposed “Clean Up” function will let users eliminate unwanted objects from images using generative AI technology, reminiscent of Google’s Magic Eraser.
Reports indicate that Apple has developed an internal application called Generative Playground to create and edit images with GenAI, although details on its user-facing implementation remain unclear.
Enhanced Safari with AI
Safari will introduce AI-enhanced recaps for web pages and news articles through a new Intelligent Search feature, potentially positioning Apple against competitors like Arc.
AI Enhancements in Notes
Users can expect AI-generated recaps of their Notes, along with audio transcription and summarization capabilities. Math Notes will assist users in constructing graphs and solving equations by recognizing and processing mathematical text.
Real-Time Transcriptions in Voice Memos
Voice memos will also feature real-time transcription abilities, enhancing usability.
iMessages Revamped
iMessages will receive an AI upgrade, including generative AI emojis and AI recaps of missed messages. Siri's deeper integration is anticipated, along with new tapback icons and individualized message effects. Apple’s Ajax LLM will suggest replies, streamlining communication and introducing Rich Communication Services (RCS) support for improved interactions with Android users.
Calendar and Email Improvements
Apple’s LLM will facilitate better communication with the Calendar app, streamlining event management while composing messages. For Mail, suggested email replies powered by Ajax will enhance communication efficiency, with search capabilities enriched by contact and location data.
User-Friendly Settings and Control Center
A revamped Settings interface aims to improve organization and search functionality, diminishing confusion for users. The Control Center will see updates, potentially including a new Music widget and enhancements to HomeKit features.
Spotlight and Home Screen Updates
Spotlight will undergo improvements for faster, more reliable search results, while Home Screen updates in iOS 18 will allow users to customize app placement and colors, taking inspiration from Google’s Material You.
Maps and Music Innovations
Maps will allow users to create custom routes, while Apple Music might roll out AI-generated playlists to compete with Spotify.
Other Planned Enhancements
Additional updates are on the way for apps like Freeform, Xcode, and Apple's productivity tools such as Keynote and Pages, which will incorporate more GenAI features.
Stay tuned! We’re launching an AI newsletter that will arrive in your inbox starting June 5.
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