Artificial intelligence (AI) is coming to your iPhone soon and according to Apple, it’s going to transform the way you use your device. Launching under the brand name “Apple Intelligence” the iPhone maker’s AI tools include a turbocharged version of its voice assistant, Siri, backed by a partnership with ChatGPT owner OpenAI. Apple isn’t the first smartphone maker to launch AI. The technology is already available on smartphones including Google’s latest Pixel and Samsung’s Galaxy range. Yet the vast amounts of data needed by AI are leading to concerns about data privacy. Apple has built its reputation on privacy. There is one area where it differs.

What is Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence is a next-generation AI framework designed to ingrain Apple devices with advanced machine learning capabilities. Apple has described its new AI as a personal intelligence system that has been built for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It understands user behaviour and comes up with appropriate responses. It is like ChatGPT but with more contextual awareness — it knows the user’s likes and dislikes, online preferences etc.

When will it be available?

Just a few days after the first public beta arrived, Apple is back again with iOS 18.1 public beta 2. Coupled with a tonne of Apple Intelligence features, the new update brings us even closer to what the official release will look like next month. The same can be seen across the Apple ecosystem aka iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia as well. The first iOS 18.1 Apple Intelligence features available in the beta version include new writing tools, suggested replies in the Messages app, email summarisation and phone call transcription. Other features coming later this year or in early 2025 include Image Playground – the ability to create your own animated images within apps – and custom emoji, called Genmoji. According to Apple, you will need the iPhone 15 or later, or an Apple device using the M1 or M2 chip to access the full range.

What can Apple Intelligence do?

1.Enhance Your Writing Skills: Apple says that ‘Writing Tools’ backed by Apple Intelligence will help users feel more confident in their writing. Writing Tools are available system-wide, and help users rewrite, proofread, and summarize text. For example, the ‘Rewrite’ feature shows users different versions of what they wrote.

2.Design Original Images With Image Playground: The Image Playground feature brings the power of generative AI to your fingertips. Need a custom image for your presentation or social media post? Simply describe what you want, and Apple Intelligence will generate it for you.

3.Create Custom Emoji (Genmoji): Get ready to express yourself in ways you never thought possible with Genmoji. This fun new feature lets you create emojis that look just like you or your friends. It's perfect for adding a personal touch to your messages or reactions. Imagine sending a thumbs-up emoji that actually looks like you.

4.Context-Aware Conversations With Siri: Apple Intelligence can now make Siri do more tasks. With the new updates, Siri now has the ability to simplify and accelerate everyday routines like getting you turn-by-turn directions, playing/pausing songs, planning your schedule, etc. Siri will also be able to view your calendar, photos and messages to respond better to text – for example, you could ask when your mum’s flight is landing and Siri would figure it out based on recent messages and emails, according to Apple.

5. Manage Your Schedule Like A Pro: Apple Intelligence elevates your iPhone's ability to manage your time effectively by integrating information from various sources. For instance, if you have a client meeting scheduled, the system can automatically check traffic conditions, adjust your wake-up alarm if necessary, and even suggest the best time to leave based on your preferred mode of transport.

6. Master Your Inbox: Mail will get new labels like ‘priority,’ and will let you reply quickly with smart responses. Also, the summary of a long, boring mail would be instantly generated. Priority notifications will appear on your Lock screen, as well as a summary - if they are long. You can decide what is important in focus mode. 

How will using my iPhone change?

The features will roll out slowly, so the immediate change won’t be drastic. However, once you’ve enabled Apple Intelligence, you should notice your interactions becoming more personalised and tasks becoming speedier.“Performing everyday tasks will be easier and more enjoyable,” says Adam Biddlecombe, co-founder of the AI newsletter Mindstream.

How does ChatGPT on my iPhone differ from using the ChatGTP app?

Apple will use ChatGPT as a backup, and to power features it is not able to manage itself. You’ll be asking Siri the question, but if Apple’s chatbot can’t answer more complex requests, it will pass the baton to ChatGPT.The key difference between the app and ChatGPT on your iPhone is in how your data is handled. says Camden Woollven,“When you use ChatGPT directly, your queries go straight to OpenAI’s servers – there’s no intermediary.” However, she says, when you use Siri’s ChatGPT integration, Apple acts as a “privacy-focused middleman”. “Siri tries to handle your request directly on your device and if it can’t, it sends some data to Apple’s servers, but in an encrypted and anonymised form,” she explains. If both your device and Apple’s servers can’t fulfil the request, Siri reaches out to ChatGPT. “But even then, your request goes to Apple first, gets anonymised and encrypted, and only then goes to OpenAI,” says Woollven. So with Siri, your data gets an extra layer of privacy protection that you don’t get when using ChatGPT directly.

Who will get apple intelligence

Apple Intelligence is designed for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia and will land in iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad and Mac with M1 and later. It is starting with the U.S. market, followed by other region

What about security?

Contextual awareness means that Siri will be aware of all your activity, and that brings to the question of privacy and security. Apple has said that Apple Intelligence has been designed to protect user privacy at every step. Apple Intelligence is aware of a user’s personal information without collecting it. With Private Cloud Compute, Apple Intelligence is capable of drawing on larger server-based models that run on Apple Silicon to manage more complex requests for you while protecting the user’s privacy.

Conclusion

Apple Intelligence is more than just a collection of technologies; it represents a holistic approach to creating a seamless, intuitive user experience. As Apple continues to innovate, the integration of AI and machine learning will shape not only the future of its products but also the broader technology landscape. By focusing on enhancing user experience while prioritizing privacy and security, Apple is set to remain a leader in the realm of technological innovation for years to come. Whether you are a loyal Apple user or a tech enthusiast, understanding Apple Intelligence is essential to appreciating the ongoing evolution of technology in our daily lives.