Apple has just rolled out a sneak peek of its latest AI-powered features, further fueling the excitement around artificial intelligence in the tech world. On Wednesday, the company launched a beta version of several new Apple Intelligence tools, including its highly anticipated integration with ChatGPT. This marks a major step in Apple's gradual entry into the AI race, as it starts to release these new capabilities to users following the announcement earlier this year.
Investors are eagerly watching the rollout, hoping that these features will drive a fresh wave of iPhone upgrades, given that the tools will only be available on the newest devices. Apple Intelligence has been in the hands of developers and early adopters for a few months, but the official public release is scheduled to coincide with iOS 18.1 next week. In the meantime, developers now have access to iOS 18.2, which contains a wider array of AI-powered functionalities.
Key features included in the iOS 18.2 beta highlight Apple's push toward AI-enhanced user experiences. Users can now give instructions on how they want Apple Intelligence to rewrite text, while tools like Genmoji and Image Playground allow for creative emoji generation and AI-powered image creation, respectively. Another notable feature, Image Wand, lets users remove unwanted objects from photos. And though Siri hasn’t yet gained the ability to take actions within apps, Apple promises this feature is on the horizon.
Among the standout features is Apple's integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. When Siri encounters a complex query, it can now prompt the user to get assistance from ChatGPT, eliminating the need for an OpenAI account. This integration is part of a broader initiative that includes Visual Intelligence—a feature where the iPhone camera can identify and interpret text or objects in real-time.
The partnership with OpenAI is a significant win for the AI firm, which was recently valued at $157 billion. The two companies’ collaboration, revealed during Apple’s WWDC2024 event in Cupertino, marked a pivotal moment for AI in mobile devices. While neither company has disclosed financial details of the arrangement, OpenAI's growing influence in the tech world is undeniable, especially after Microsoft’s own deep integration with its models. Apple has hinted that other AI models, such as those from Google, could eventually be incorporated into its ecosystem as well.
As AI continues to shape the future of mobile technology, Apple is methodically unveiling its vision. With features like text rewriting and Visual Intelligence set to go live with iOS 18.1, users will soon get a firsthand look at how Apple’s latest AI innovations can enhance everyday tasks, all while keeping one eye on what’s coming next. This careful rollout is designed to keep users—and investors—on the edge of their seats as Apple steps further into the AI spotlight.
