The sleeper hit of Apple’s iPad event could be the new AI-powered Photos app
Apple is expected to introduce a number of brand new iPads today, May 7, at its launch event, which starts at 7am PT / 10am ET / 3pm BST (May 8 at 12pm AEST). But the latest rumor is that we might also get a first look at the generative AI features that Apple has been busy working on.
This is what sources spoke to say AppleInsider, we could get an example of a photo editing feature known as Clean Up. As you might guess from the name, it would use AI smarts to remove objects from images and apply other on-the-fly edits.
The feature is apparently intended to replace the retouching tool currently available in Apple Photos for macOS, but AppleInsider understands that something similar could also come to Photos for iPadOS, for AI-powered editing on the go.
It looks like we’ll be getting a new Apple Pencil today alongside the updated iPads, and the report says there’s a “possibility” that Apple could choose to demonstrate the new stylus’ capabilities with a bit of AI photo editing. Alternatively, we may have to wait for WWDC 2024 in June to see the new photo editing tricks.
AI example
As noted by MacRumorsApple added an interactive eraser feature to its website to promote the iPad launch event. You can hover over the Apple logo to cycle through its different versions – which might just be a bit of fun or perhaps another hint at the Clean Up tool.
There’s certainly been a significant amount of talk from well-placed sources around the idea that today’s event will feature both AI demos and new hardware. These AI features may not all be ready for use yet, but they can still be mentioned.
Another rumor we’ve heard is that the updated 2024 iPad Pros could feature Apple M4 chips – chips that haven’t been announced yet. That extra onboard performance could enable generative AI features on an Apple device for perhaps the first time.
The official word is that this will be a “different kind of Apple event,” so we’re really looking forward to what’s in store: iPads, an Apple Pencil, and maybe some AI photo editing features. We’ll be covering all the news and announcements as they happen, and we’ve got a comprehensive guide on how to watch the event.