This Exciting App Highlights the Future of AI on Macs

In a year dominated by discussions about artificial intelligence, Apple has maintained a notable silence. However, developers focused on Apple’s ecosystem are proactively exploring the potential of AI. A recent update to the popular Mac writing app, iA Writer, has sparked excitement about Apple’s future approach to AI.

The iA Writer 7 update introduces a feature that allows users to leverage text generated by ChatGPT as a launchpad for their own writing. This innovative approach encourages users to extract ideas from ChatGPT while customizing the output to reflect their unique voice. Unlike many generative AI tools that often overshadow the user, iA Writer creates a collaborative environment, positioning ChatGPT as a "dialogue partner" rather than a ghostwriter, which helps prevent the loss of personal expression.

Here’s how it functions: any text imported from ChatGPT appears grayed out in iA Writer. As users make edits or additions, their contributions appear in black, signifying their original input. The developer emphasizes that users must manually mark pasted text as coming from ChatGPT by right-clicking and selecting "Paste As AI Enable Authorship." There are also keyboard shortcuts and menu options for convenience. If a user wants to incorporate ChatGPT edits into their writing, they can right-click and choose "Paste Edits From AI." Conversely, if the text is created independently, users can select "Paste As Me." iA Writer’s developer highlights the significance of clearly assigning authorship, stating it is “new, useful, and essential for responsible AI text generation.” They envision a future where the distinct contributions of both machines and humans are transparent, enhancing the writing process rather than complicating it. When used correctly, ChatGPT can serve as a valuable writing assistant, amplifying creativity while keeping the user's authentic voice intact.

This update for iA Writer is currently available on macOS, iPadOS, and iOS, with plans to expand to Windows and Android in the future. While iA Writer is not the only third-party Mac app, it serves as a valuable preview of the directions Apple will need to explore in its own offerings. With Apple’s first-party applications appearing increasingly outdated compared to those from competitors like Google, Adobe, and Microsoft, which have fully integrated generative AI into their platforms—Windows Copilot being a prime example—Apple will need to innovate to remain competitive. The upcoming WWDC 2024 in June is anticipated to showcase Apple’s broader vision for integrating AI into its products, and the tech community is eager to see how Apple addresses these challenges.