It’s easy to think Apple is trailing behind in the AI race, especially with the dominance of ChatGPT since late 2022. While competitors rushed to catch up, Apple seemed to cautiously approach AI rather than dive headfirst. However, recent rumours suggest otherwise, indicating that Apple has been strategically planning its move.
Exciting news for Siri enthusiasts: a better version might be on the horizon! Recent reports suggest that Apple aims to enhance Siri significantly. The key lies in making large language models (LLMs) faster and more accessible, which could revolutionise virtual assistants.
In an upcoming iOS 18 update, Apple plans to run all AI features on-device, offline, a feat that poses significant technical challenges. However, through innovative solutions like storing model data on the device’s SSD instead of RAM, Apple’s researchers have achieved remarkable results. Their system accelerates inference speed by up to 4-5x compared to traditional methods, making AI models run more efficiently.
Additionally, Apple’s development of EELBERT, a system to compress LLMs without compromising quality significantly, showcases their commitment to finding the right balance between model size and performance.
Enhancing Siri’s Capabilities
A significant focus of Apple’s AI research revolves around improving Siri’s functionality. Researchers are exploring methods to activate Siri without wake words, aiming to create a more intuitive interaction experience. Additionally, efforts are underway to enhance Siri’s understanding of ambiguous queries and streamline communication by identifying follow-up questions.
Moreover, Apple’s STEER system aims to improve conversational exchanges with Siri by recognising subtle cues, while initiatives like reducing verbosity aim to make Siri’s responses more concise and understandable.
While Siri remains a central focus, Apple envisions AI impacting various aspects of daily life. In healthcare, LLMs could help analyse biometric data, while creative tools like Keyframer empower users to iteratively refine designs interactively.
Furthermore, AI’s potential extends to image editing, where Apple’s MGIE system allows users to edit images through simple descriptions, offering a glimpse into future creative possibilities.
In the realm of music, Apple explores AI applications for song remixing and voice cancellation, highlighting the versatility of AI across different domains.
The Future of AI at Apple: Introducing Ferret
Among Apple’s ambitious AI endeavours, Ferret stands out as a multi-modal LLM with diverse applications, from aiding accessibility to transforming device interaction. With Ferret’s ability to understand user instructions and contextual cues, it promises a revolutionary shift in how we interact with technology.
While these innovations remain in the research phase, anticipation is high for potential announcements at Apple’s upcoming WWDC event. Tim Cook’s recent teasers and the company’s commitment to AI signal a transformative era for Apple and its products. As the tech giant continues to push boundaries, the prospect of a revamped Siri and groundbreaking AI integration could redefine the iPhone experience, setting a new standard for user interaction.
