Apple Unveils Generative AI Revolution for iPhone: A Partnership with OpenAI Redefines Siri and More

To look over this article again, go to My Profile and then select Saved stories to view them.

Knight Will

Apple is set to integrate generative AI into the iPhone, thanks to a collaboration with the unexpected ally, OpenAI.

Today, at the Worldwide Developer Conference in Cupertino, California, Apple's CEO Tim Cook unveiled the much-anticipated AI overhaul, dubbed Apple Intelligence, which will be accessible in beta version this autumn. This update introduces several key features that are set to redefine the user experience across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices, both in significant and subtle ways. Additionally, Siri, Apple's voice assistant known for its current limitations, received a comprehensive update powered by generative AI technology.

The firm additionally revealed plans to integrate external AI technologies into its applications, beginning with OpenAI's ChatGPT later in the year. This feature will be purely voluntary and will not necessitate a ChatGPT membership. Siri will assess if a question could be enhanced by consulting ChatGPT and will seek permission before relaying any information to the model. Apple also mentioned its intentions to utilize additional AI technologies in the coming times.

"OpenAI is thrilled to collaborate with Apple to introduce ChatGPT to their audience through a fresh approach," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed in a release. "Apple's dedication to safety and innovation mirrors our own, and this collaboration is in perfect harmony with OpenAI's goal of making sophisticated AI available to all."

Up until this point, Apple has remained noticeably out of the spotlight when it comes to discussions on generative AI. While rivals such as Google and Microsoft have quickly adopted the technology following the emergence of ChatGPT towards the end of 2022, Apple seems to have been patiently crafting a detailed plan that integrates with several of its offerings.

Craig Federighi, who holds the position of senior vice president of software engineering at Apple, announced that the tech giant's upcoming AI initiatives will prioritize user privacy and data security. Emphasizing the importance of utilizing AI on devices in a manner that safeguards privacy, Federighi unveiled a new technology dubbed Private Cloud Compute. This innovation promises to safeguard user data during heavy-duty AI operations that require cloud computing, ensuring that such data remains inaccessible and unstored by Apple, according to Federighi.

Apple unveiled its Apple Intelligence feature across a variety of applications. A systemwide function named Writing Tools enhances your writing by improving grammar and clarity, and allows you to modify the tone to appear either more approachable or more formal. The company's Image Playground feature enables the creation of images within Apple's ecosystem, such as in Messages and Notes. This includes the generation of AI-based images of contacts in three distinct styles: sketch, illustration, and animation. Additionally, users can design personalized emojis using generative AI, a capability referred to as Genmoji by Apple. Moreover, an upgrade to Siri powered by AI will enhance the voice assistant's ability to process complex voice commands and conduct searches more effectively, even with vague instructions.

Apple plans to introduce compact generative AI algorithms that operate directly on devices, promising faster performance and enhanced data protection for users. The tech giant will navigate the challenge of prioritizing privacy and security as it shifts towards a broader implementation of generative AI technology.

Before the WWDC event, there were widespread speculations that Apple was in discussions with OpenAI for a potential partnership. At first glance, Apple and OpenAI appear to be an odd match. Apple is recognized for its methodical and meticulous approach to product releases, focusing on the finer details, prioritizing user satisfaction, and delivering aesthetically pleasing designs. On the other hand, OpenAI is renowned for introducing groundbreaking but still developing AI innovations into the market and observing how they are utilized by the public.

By Matt Burgess

Authored by David Robson

Authored by Joseph

Authored by Boone Ashworth

The partnership with OpenAI might be a strategic move for Apple as it aims to enhance its implementation of extensive language models. By integrating OpenAI's chatbot technology into Siri, Apple ensures that its users benefit from the leading solutions available, while also mitigating potential damage to its reputation should it encounter complex inquiries. This approach not only positions Apple favorably in the short term but also provides a buffer period for its AI technologies to reach the level of sophistication currently available through OpenAI.

"Following Apple's disclosure, every major tech firm has now revealed their preliminary plans for generative AI,” states Andy Wu, an associate professor at Harvard Business School who explores how tech corporations implement AI. Wu believes that although Apple has entered the arena later than others, it possesses a considerable chance to make an impact owing to its extensive network of users.

Nonetheless, Wu indicates that the expenses associated with operating sophisticated generative AI models, in addition to handling their propensity for producing false information, will present fresh obstacles for the organization. "Implementing this technology currently means accepting those risks, which contradicts Apple's usual preference for delivering refined products over which it maintains complete control," he states.

Currently, Apple has revealed its strategy for artificial intelligence. The next step is to implement this plan successfully, avoiding the challenges that have troubled other major technology companies.

Explore the Election Period with Our WIRED Politics Lab Newsletter and Podcast

Skeptical about breakdancing being an Olympic event? The global champion shares your sentiment (sort of)

Investigators unlocked a decade-old encryption key for a cryptocurrency wallet valued at $3 million.

The eerie ascent of the globe's inaugural artificial intelligence beauty contest

Ease the strain on your spine: Discover the top office chairs we've evaluated.

Knight Will

Knight Will

Lauren Goode

Knight Will

Steven Levy

Reece Rogers

Knight Will

Knight Will

Additional Content from WIRED

Evaluations and Instructions

© 2024 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. A share of revenue from products bought through our website may be earned by WIRED, as a result of our affiliate agreements with retail partners. Without the express written consent of Condé Nast, it is prohibited to replicate, distribute, broadcast, store, or use the content found on this site in any form. Advertisement Choices

Choose a global website