Apple Intelligence, iPhones, and the rest of WWDC 2024 | The Vergecast

11 Jun 2024 (6 months ago)

Apple's AI Announcements at WWDC

Apple unveiled updates to its operating systems at WWDC, focusing on AI features and intelligence.
Apple Intelligence, the company's approach to AI, includes various components, with a limited integration of ChatGPT.
Apple emphasized its commitment to user privacy and highlighted the principles guiding its AI development.
The integration of ChatGPT in Apple Intelligence is limited and feels like an afterthought compared to other features.
Apple plans to support multiple AI models in the future, with ChatGPT being the starting point due to its market leadership.
Apple announced new AI features coming to iOS 18, including improved Siri capabilities, on-device AI processing, and a secure private compute cloud service.
Apple released a white paper explaining the technical details of the new AI features.
Apple's approach involves using blockchain technology to verify the security of the cloud servers and prevent targeted attacks.
Apple announced a new private compute cloud service that will allow users to process their data on Apple's servers without storing it there.
Apple believes that this new service will allow it to continue to sell iPhones in China and other countries with strict data privacy laws.

Siri's expanded capabilities were highlighted, including the ability to perform tasks based on personal context and app integrations.
Siri now supports text input, eliminating the need for voice commands only.
A new feature allows users to nod or shake their head to respond to Siri's queries when using AirPods.
Apple is expanding Siri's capabilities and availability but limiting its compatibility to newer devices.

Apple introduced new APIs and access to underlying system features, providing developers with more opportunities for innovation.
Despite strained developer relations, Apple aims to attract developers to create apps for its platform.
Apple is facing competitive pressure and sees this move as an opportunity to strengthen its market share and counter AI systems like OpenAI.

iOS 18 introduces new personalization features, including customizable lock screens, control center, and home screen widgets.
A new "hidden apps" feature allows users to create a folder of locked apps for privacy.
Apple's attempt at color theming across the home screen has received mixed reactions.
The speaker highlights the integration of Ford's app with the control center, allowing users to control their vehicles directly from their phones.
The speaker praises the new flashlight widget and its customizable beam width.
The speaker rejoices over the introduction of RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging but notes the lack of enthusiasm from the audience during the announcement.
New iMessage features include the ability to use any emoji as a tapback and custom emojis.
Game Mode prioritizes the performance of controllers and Bluetooth devices.
The Photos app received a redesign with new albums.

The iPad received minor updates, including the ability to take over a parent's screen during FaceTime and a handwriting font feature called "smart script."
iPhone mirroring on Mac allows users to run iOS apps on Apple silicon Macs without porting them.
Automatic window tiling was finally added to macOS.
Safari now has built-in AI summaries for web pages, which can be turned off.
Safari is adding new features, including a reader mode and a viewer mode that pops up videos for native picture-in-picture viewing.
Several games, including Death Stranding, Assassin's Creed, and Control, will be available on Mac.

WatchOS has received updates, including the ability to log rest days, change goals throughout the week, and track new health metrics.
AirPods Pro 2 will feature new head gesture controls, allowing users to control music and other functions by moving their heads.