Review of New AI Development Platforms

Apple is launching a new AI technology called Apple Intelligence with the release of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. This collection of AI tools will be available on its AI Development Platforms starting in October. Apple Intelligence adds to the existing machine-learning tools and is based on generative AI technology, similar to what is used by the Open AI developer platform. Unlike some competitors, Apple’s version primarily uses its self-trained AI models, which prioritize user privacy and can integrate personal information.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has described Apple Intelligence as a way to make Apple products more helpful and enjoyable. In recent years, some have felt that Apple has been lagging behind other companies in the AI race, especially with the rise of tools like ChatGPT. Part of this could be due to Apple’s secretive nature, which has made it difficult to attract top AI researchers. However, there was a turning point when Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President for Software, had a positive experience with GitHub Copilot over the winter holidays in late 2023. This prompted a push to incorporate Large Language Models (LLMs) into Apple products, now seen as crucial to future innovations.

Analysts predict that Apple Intelligence will soon be available on newer devices, such as Macs, iPhones, and iPads, potentially making Apple one of the largest AI ecosystems globally. Daniel Ives from Wedbush Securities said Apple devices could soon account for 25% of global AI use. This is significant as AI is expected to drive sales in the smartphone and PC markets, and Apple now has a strong product lineup to promote.

Currently, Apple Intelligence is available in beta for US English speakers. The company plans to expand its availability to other English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK in December, with additional languages like Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish to follow next year. To use Apple Intelligence, you will need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or an iPhone 16 device, Mac and iPad with an M1 chip or newer.

Apple has already implemented various AI tools across its platforms, such as image recognition for Face ID, facial recognition in Photos, and advanced photography features like Portrait Mode and Deep Fusion.

Despite the perception that Apple Intelligence has been slow to develop, the company has been involved with AI for decades. AI, or artificial intelligence, enables machines to imitate human intelligence and solve problems. For example, John McCarthy launched the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory in 1963, conducting significant research in robotics and machine vision.

In 2010, Apple acquired Siri for $200 million, a product that originated from research at SAIL and was supported by a US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency project.

In 2017, Google introduced a new deep-learning architecture that laid the groundwork for generative AI, which has since transformed the industry. Tim Cook emphasizes that AI is already widely used in Apple products, mentioning ongoing research in generative AI.

Apple’s secretive approach has made it challenging to communicate its progress in AI compared to companies like Google, which encourage public research sharing. Apple is focused on integrating AI into its software, aiming to enhance features like Siri and the Messages app using LLMs. The goal is to improve how these services respond to questions and complete sentences, similar to recent updates from competitors.

Additionally, Apple is exploring ways to include generative AI in development tools like Xcode, which would help app developers create new applications more quickly, similar to what the GitHub Copilot offers. The company is also looking to enhance its applications, including Apple Music and productivity apps, with AI-driven features.

One critical discussion within Apple is whether to use an on-device AI strategy, a cloud-based approach, or a combination of both. On-device processing could enhance privacy and speed, while cloud solutions would allow for more complex AI tasks. However, relying solely on on-device systems could hinder Apple’s ability to adapt quickly to industry changes. A mixed approach seems likely, using both methods depending on the feature’s requirements.

This is crucial, as generative AI is central to future computing. Apple understands the importance of staying competitive in this rapidly evolving landscape. With the advancements in its AI application development platform and the open AI developer platform, Apple aims to position itself at the forefront of AI technology.