What is Apple Intelligence and how does it work in the new iPhone 16 series?

6 min read | Updated on September 10, 2024, 14:46 IST

SUMMARY

Apple has launched its artificial intelligence software known as the Apple Intelligence with many features that have everyone excited for its public launch in the upcoming months. From Writing Tools to an upgraded Siri and from Image Creation to Genmoji, Apple has put up an interesting show once again.

The beta version of Apple Intelligence will be launched in the US next month in English (Image: Apple)

Apple Intelligence, an artificial intelligence software developed by Apple Inc., was launched by Apple on June 10, 2024, at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024. It was announced as a feature of Apple’s iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia operating systems. These operating systems were also announced by Apple at the WWDC along with the Apple Intelligence feature.

Many thought that Apple was missing out on the artificial intelligence (AI) buzz, but others rightfully speculated that it was going to join the race soon. And that, it did. With Apple Intelligence, Apple made its entry into the world of AI and left everyone wanting more information.

The company launched the beta version of the new operating systems in June 2024.

The beta version of Apple Intelligence will be launched in the US next month in English and will see an international rollout with multiple languages by the end of this year and into 2025, as announced by the company.

During the Apple iPhone 16 series launch event, ‘It’s Glowtime’, the company announced several AI features that Apple Intelligence will be offering, including a more powerful Siri, Apple Watch series 10’s translation capabilities, visual search on iPhones and much more.

The tech giant has given a crafty branding to its AI feature, Apple Intelligence, calling it the ‘AI for the rest of us’.

The platform is built to perform many activities that existing AI software like OpenAI and Google’s Gemini already undertake like text and image generation. Apple Intelligence, like many other AI platforms, is trained on large information models. These models basically make use of deep learning to form patterns and connections through text, images, video or music.

Apple has already launched a seamless integration of ChatGPT in its system owing to its partnership with OpenAI. The company is also planning to collaborate with Google and integrate Gemini into Apple Intelligence soon, according to reports.

What can Apple Intelligence do?

Writing Tools: As Apple has branded it, “Write with intelligent new tools. Everywhere words matter”, Apple Intelligence is equipped with writing tools that will help users to write seamlessly, helping them to rewrite and proofread their content. These features will help users write professionally, or to make their writing more friendly, as per their requirements. It can be used to write summaries, emails, articles and so much more. ChatGPT is integrated into the software as part of the Writing Tools.

Image Creation: As the company likes to call it, “Delightful images created just for you”, this feature does image creation like other Generative AI platforms and helps users express themselves clearly. This will be enabled through the Image Playground application where users can produce unique images instantly. Images can be generated using descriptions, phrases, suggested concepts, etc. The Image Wand tool on Apple iPads can help transform sketches into related images in the Notes application.

Describe in Photos app: Users can also search for images by writing descriptions in the Photos app and also create a custom memory movie. Users can describe photos and videos on the Photos app and Apple Intelligence will look for ones that match. “It then crafts a storyline with unique chapters based on themes it identifies and arranges your photos into a movie with its own narrative arc”, according to Apple.

Genmoji: Using the image generation feature, users can create Genmojis by entering descriptions and phrases. Users can also create Genmojis of people using images from their Photo Library. Genmojis, like emojis, can also be added to text messages and can also be shared in Messages along with third-party applications as stickers or as Tapback reactions. Genmojis can be created right through the keyboard.

Image: Apple

Mail: A feature known as Priority Messages can be added to the Mail application showing urgent and time-sensitive emails, such as a same-day event reminder. These messages will be shown along with AI-generated summaries of the email. The Smart Reply feature will help generate email responses quickly on the Mail app.

Reduce Interruptions: This feature will give focus to notifications that might need immediate attention from the user.

Recording: Users can record and transcribe through Notes and Phone applications. Apple Intelligence will also provide AI-generated summaries of these transcripts for user convenience.

Upgraded Siri: The new and powerful Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, will be able to do a lot with the help of Apple Intelligence. The latest features include updated user interface design, richer natural language processing, more personal and natural responses in conversations, etc. Siri will also be activated by a double tap on the bottom of the device’s screen when the user does not want to speak.

It will also have onscreen awareness which will help it understand what the user is trying to do, like suggesting ‘Add this contact’ when the user receives a contact in their text messages. Additionally, Siri will act on the user’s personal context and will be able to help every user uniquely.

The most interesting upgrade in Siri is that it will be able to take action in and across applications. Basically, Siri will be able to send an email or edit an image among many other things when a user asks it to.

Image: Apple

ChatGPT integration: As the company has collaborated with OpenAI, Apple Intelligence has wide operations with integrated ChatGPT. Siri will be allowed to send user requests to ChatGPT when necessary and Writing Tools will be accompanied by ChatGPT as well. Users can control when any information can be shared with ChatGPT or not. Users can use the ChatGPT integration for free without logging in or creating an account. Existing ChatGPT users with premium features can also connect their accounts to access the paid features.

Apple Intelligence compatibility

Apple Intelligence is free to use and will be launched in the US as a Beta version in October, in the English language. Reportedly, it will be launched in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the U.K. in December in localised English. In 2025, it will be launched in many other languages like Chinese, French, etc. Public versions of iOS/iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia will be available starting September 16, 2024, as a free software update for supported iOS devices.

Apple Intelligence will be compatible with devices that have the A17 Pro chipset or later:

iPhone 16 (A18)
iPhone 16 Plus (A18)
iPhone 16 Pro Max (A18 Pro)
iPhone 16 Pro (A18 Pro)
iPhone 15 Pro Max (A17 Pro)
iPhone 15 Pro (A17 Pro)
iPad Pro (M1 and later)
iPad Air (M1 and later)
MacBook Air (M1 and later)
MacBook Pro (M1 and later)
iMac (M1 and later)
Mac Mini (M1 and later)
Mac Studio (M1 Max and later)
Mac Pro (M2 Ultra)

About The Author

Vani Dua is a journalism graduate from LSR College, Delhi. She is passionate about news and presently covers markets, business, economy, and other related fields. She is an avid reader and loves to spend her time weaving stories in her head.