Apple CEO Tim Cook has indicated that significant AI enhancements are on the horizon for iOS, with a new report from AppleInsider shedding light on upcoming features in iOS 18. Among the highlights is an improved Siri capable of analysing and summarising texts within the Messages app.
The report details that Siri will be equipped with new capabilities to help users manage information more efficiently by summarising texts directly in the Messages app. Additionally, a similar “Intelligent Search” feature will be introduced in Safari, allowing users to summarise webpages easily. These enhancements are part of Apple's broader initiative to integrate more advanced AI functionalities into its operating system.
Apple's large language model (LLM), known as Ajax, powers these new features. Recent publications by Apple researchers highlight ongoing efforts to implement on-device AI processing, enhancing both performance and privacy. According to AppleInsider, while Ajax is capable of handling simple tasks on the device itself, more complex queries may require it to connect with external servers. This is where potential collaborations with companies like Google or OpenAI could come into play, as Apple explores partnerships to bolster its AI capabilities.
In line with Apple's long-standing commitment to user privacy, the upcoming AI features will include privacy warnings whenever Ajax accesses data from Safari or Messages. During a recent earnings call, Tim Cook emphasised Apple's optimistic outlook on AI and its dedication to maintaining privacy, suggesting that these features will differentiate Apple's AI offerings in the competitive market.
While Apple is expected to unveil new iPads at an event next Tuesday, the full details of Apple's AI strategies are likely to be disclosed at the Worldwide Developers Conference scheduled for June 10. Here, Apple will showcase how these advancements in AI will integrate into its broader ecosystem, potentially setting new standards for how AI is used in mobile technology.
