Apple has announced the integration of Apple Intelligence, a new generative artificial intelligence (AI) system, within its latest operating systems. This system will be rolled out with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, starting next month.
Apple Intelligence is designed to combine generative AI with personal context, aiming to deliver highly relevant and practical insights tailored to the user.
Initially, the advanced AI technology will be available in US English. Apple said that the system will expand to additional English-speaking regions, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, and the UK, by December. Support for additional languages, such as Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish, is expected to be added next year.
Apple Intelligence 101
According to Apple, Apple Intelligence is integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, using Apple silicon to power its generative AI capabilities. This system enables advanced language and image processing, facilitates actions across various applications, and simplifies tasks by leveraging personal user data.
Many of the features will operate directly on the device to preserve user privacy. For more complex tasks, the Cupertino-based technology giant has implemented Private Cloud Compute, which allows for scalable processing while maintaining data security.
Key functionalities of Apple Intelligence will include Writing Tools that support text rewriting, proofreading, and summarisation across various apps. In the Photos app, the Memories function will also allow users to create custom movies based on descriptive input.
A new Clean Up tool, meanwhile, will remove background distractions from photos without altering the main subject. Additionally, users can record, transcribe, and summarise audio in the Notes and Phone apps, with automatic notifications and summaries provided for recorded calls.
Siri will also see enhancements, according to Apple. The updated Siri will feature a new design with a glowing edge on iPhone, iPad, and CarPlay, and users will be able to interact through both text and voice. The improved language understanding and context retention of Apple’s virtual assistant are intended to make it more effective in assisting with a range of queries.
Apple stated that further features of Apple Intelligence will be introduced later this year, including tools for creating and enhancing images and custom emojis. Siri is expected to gain additional capabilities, including context-aware actions and integration with a wider range of apps.
‘AI’ available as free update to certain Apple customers
The initial set of Apple Intelligence features will be available as a free update with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. The system will be compatible with the iPhone 16 series, certain iPhone 15 Pro models, and iPads and Macs with M1 chips or later. Initially, it will support U.S. English, with additional languages and devices to follow throughout the year.
The rollout of Apple Intelligence coincides with the release of the iPhone 16 series, which Apple said is designed specifically to integrate with this new AI system. Apple has equipped the new iPhone 16 models with the A18 and A18 Pro chips, which the company stated are the most advanced processors ever featured in an iPhone.
According to a recent report by the Financial Times, the A18 chips utilise Arm’s latest next-generation V9 architecture. Apple has previously implemented the V9 technology in its new M4 chips for MacBooks. The company asserts that these chips provide notable performance enhancements and anticipates their inclusion in forthcoming PC releases.
Read more: Apple’s new iPhone 16 to feature Arm’s V9 technology for advanced AI capabilities
