Apple is known for its innovation and design, but also for its secrecy and control. The company rarely reveals its plans or strategies, especially when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI). However, some recent moves and hints suggest that Apple is quietly ramping up its AI capabilities, making acquisitions and hardware updates aimed at bringing advanced AI to the next iPhones. Apple AI iOS Apple AI iOS 18
One of the most notable acquisitions that Apple made in the past year was of Voysis, an Irish startup that specialized in natural language processing and voice synthesis. Voysis had developed a platform that allowed businesses to create their own voice assistants, with natural and human-like speech. Apple reportedly bought Voysis to improve Siri, its own voice assistant, and to enable more voice-based interactions on its devices.
Another acquisition that Apple made was of Xnor.ai, a Seattle-based startup that focused on edge AI, or AI that runs on devices rather than in the cloud. Xnor.ai had developed a technology that allowed deep learning models to run efficiently on low-power devices, such as smartphones, cameras, and drones. Apple reportedly bought Xnor.ai to enhance its on-device AI capabilities, and to enable more privacy and security for its users.
In addition to acquisitions, Apple also made some hardware updates that indicated its AI ambitions. One of the most significant updates was the introduction of the A14 Bionic chip, the first chip in the industry to use a 5-nanometer process. The A14 Bionic chip powers the iPhone 12 series, and boasts a 16-core Neural Engine that can perform 11 trillion operations per second, a 70% increase from the previous generation. The A14 Bionic chip also supports machine learning accelerators, which can execute matrix operations up to 10 times faster. Apple AI iOS 18
The A14 Bionic chip is expected to be the foundation for the next generation of iPhones, which will likely run on iOS 18, the upcoming operating system that Apple is expected to announce later this year. iOS 18 is rumored to have some new features that will leverage the power of the A14 Bionic chip and the AI technologies that Apple has acquired. Some of these features are:
Generative AI: Generative AI is a branch of AI that can create new content, such as images, text, music, or video, based on existing data. Apple is reportedly working on generative AI features that will allow users to create their own emojis, stickers, wallpapers, and ringtones, using their own photos, voice, or music. These features will use neural networks to generate realistic and personalized content, without requiring any editing or uploading.
Augmented Reality: Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information on the real world, creating an immersive and interactive experience. Apple is reportedly working on AR features that will allow users to scan and measure objects, play games, and access information, using the camera and the screen of their iPhones. These features will use computer vision and machine learning to recognize and track objects, and to generate realistic and accurate graphics.
Siri Improvements: Siri is Apple’s voice assistant, which allows users to control their devices and access information using natural language. Apple is reportedly working on Siri improvements that will make it more conversational, contextual, and personalized. These improvements will use natural language processing and voice synthesis to understand and generate natural and human-like speech, and to adapt to the user’s preferences, habits, and needs.
These are some of the possible AI features that Apple is preparing for iOS 18, which will make the next iPhones the most advanced and intelligent devices ever. However, Apple is not the only company that is investing in AI, as its competitors, such as Google, Samsung, and Huawei, are also developing their own AI technologies and products. Therefore, the AI race is on, and the winner will be the one that can deliver the best user experience, while ensuring the privacy and security of the users.