iOS 18 could bring generative AI to your iPhone in the most Apple way
It’s no secret that Apple has been biding its time on the AI front, and the latest information surrounding iOS 18 suggests that the company’s upcoming generative AI features could differ in one key way from those already available on Samsung – and Google Pixel devices.
According to Bloomberg’s resident Apple expert Mark Gurman (via MacRumors), Apple’s generative AI features will be supported by a proprietary large language model (LLM) that runs entirely on the device, rather than through the cloud. This approach would prioritize speed and privacy, as an on-device LLM would not require an internet connection to function, although this may make Apple’s AI tools slightly less powerful than those of cloud-based rivals (such as Galaxy AI).
To combat this last point, Gurman hints that Apple could “fill in the gaps” by licensing technology from Google and other AI service providers. The tipster has previously reported that Apple is in “active negotiations” with Google to license Google Gemini for certain iOS 18 features, so a Google-backed Apple LLM seems increasingly likely, despite our initial skepticism.
As above, on-device processing delivers faster response times and superior privacy compared to cloud-based solutions, aligning with Apple’s traditional commitment to style, simplicity and security. According to Gurman, this is how Apple will market its AI features – as reliable, useful tools that improve users’ daily lives, rather than as all-powerful creative tools.
Superior Siri
There’s still no word on what exactly Apple’s AI features will be, but it’s expected that Siri, Messages, Apple Music, and Pages will receive significant AI-based improvements in iOS 18, with the first reportedly in the line stands for a ChatGPT style makeover.
Rumors suggest that Siri in particular will also use generative AI to understand not only your vocal requests but also the context behind them, likely making the once groundbreaking voice assistant a much more useful voice assistant feature. best iPhonesiPads and MacBooks, and, we hope, Apple’s long-awaited touchscreen HomePod.
Either way, Apple’s suite of AI features is reportedly on track for a grand unveiling at WWDC 2024, so we won’t have to wait long before we find out how the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and other iOS 18-compatible devices will perform. challenging the current best phones on the market in the AI department.