Apple is preparing to showcase its advancements in generative AI at its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The event may highlight new features such as AI-generated emojis and a partnership with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT.
Recent rumors suggest that Apple will integrate OpenAI’s technology into its operating systems, potentially offering features like transcribing voice memos and auto-generating emojis. Although Apple is reportedly still in talks with Google as well, its focus seems to be on practical AI improvements. One of the significant features likely to be announced is a “smart recap” that summarizes missed texts, notifications, web pages, news articles, documents, notes, and other media. This could help users manage overwhelming iOS notifications and echoes Microsoft’s feature that lets users review their computer activities.
just wait for the next press release and Apple will call this an AI feature pic.twitter.com/9jU4YpIC1K
— Benjamin Mayo (@bzamayo) May 28, 2024
The Voice Memo app is expected to receive a boost with AI-generated transcripts, useful for various scenarios such as students recording lectures. Similar features already exist on Apple devices, like auto-generated voicemail transcripts and media transcriptions.
Apple’s upcoming AI advancements
Additional AI enhancements may include improved on-device Spotlight search, internet searches via Safari, and writing suggestions for emails and texts. AI may also be used to retouch photos and generate emojis based on text. Apple might also unveil an AI-powered, more natural-sounding voice for Siri, along with enhanced functionality on the Apple Watch.
Little nervous about AI feature parity with visionOS and iPadOS. @markgurman specifically calls out iOS and macOS. Hope they don’t stiff us this year with too many platform specific features. https://t.co/Y2D5aPZhRo
— Parker Ortolani (@ParkerOrtolani) May 26, 2024
Where possible, the company aims to process these features locally on devices, but more complex tasks will be handled by Apple’s M2 Ultra-based servers. Devices released within the last year are expected to gain most of these new AI capabilities. Beyond AI, Apple might introduce an iOS 18 feature allowing users to change app icon colors more straightforwardly than the current method via the iOS Shortcuts app. Another rumored feature is the ability to arrange app icons freely instead of the default top-to-bottom, left-to-right arrangement.
Power On: Inside Apple’s generative AI plan and iOS 18, including new features like AI-created Emojis, extensive Home Screen customization and a big focus on summarizing information https://t.co/5JLjWmGhTa
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) May 26, 2024
Apple’s WWDC promises to bring significant AI advancements and user-centric features, reflecting the company’s ongoing push to integrate intuitive and practical technology into daily use.
