Apple Inc. is poised to make a significant entry into the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape with a newly inked deal to bring OpenAI’s ChatGPT to its iPhones. This integration will be part of the upcoming iOS 18 update, which is set to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 on June 10. The tech giant is also reportedly in discussions with Google to potentially include its Gemini AI as an alternative option in the future.

AI Integration to Revitalize Apple iOS

Apple’s collaboration with OpenAI aims to enhance the iPhone user experience by incorporating advanced AI capabilities. This move is part of a broader strategy under Project Greymatter, which seeks to integrate AI tools into core applications like Safari, Photos, and Notes, as well as operating system features such as enhanced notifications. The goal is to offer practical AI tools that consumers can use in their daily lives, thereby addressing the perception that Siri has become outdated.

The integration will allow less computing-intensive AI features to run directly on the device, while more demanding tasks will be handled via cloud processing powered by M2 Ultra chips in Apple’s data centers. This hybrid approach aims to balance performance with Apple’s long-standing commitment to user privacy.

Despite securing a deal with OpenAI, Apple remains in talks with Google about potentially bringing the Gemini AI model to iPhones as an alternative to ChatGPT. While the intricate details of this potential agreement with Google may not be finalized by next month, it indicates Apple’s strategy to diversify its AI offerings and avoid reliance on a single AI provider.

Apple faces the challenge of proving its AI advancements against major announcements from Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI. At the heart of its strategy is leveraging its massive customer base to gain an edge in the AI race. By introducing AI features to hundreds of millions of Apple devices globally, Apple could become a dominant player in AI overnight.

Upcoming AI Features

The new AI capabilities in iOS 18 and macOS 15 will include features such as voice memo transcription, AI-enhanced photo retouching, faster and more reliable searches in Spotlight, and automatic suggestions for email and text message replies. Siri will receive an upgrade for more natural interactions based on Apple’s large language models, and developer tools like Xcode will also get AI enhancements.

One notable feature will be the ability to create custom emojis using generative AI, allowing users to generate unique emojis on the fly based on their text inputs. Additionally, a revamped iPhone home screen will offer more customization options, such as changing app icon colors and layouts.

Apple will need to reassure consumers that its new cloud-powered AI features will maintain the company’s high standards for privacy. The company plans to emphasize that it does not build profiles of its customers and will highlight the security features of the M-series chips used for cloud processing.

Although Apple’s initial AI offerings may not be as groundbreaking as those of its rivals, the company’s vast user base gives it a substantial advantage. The introduction of these AI features is expected to be a work in progress, with some being marketed as previews before their formal launch later this year.

By diversifying its AI partnerships and integrating practical AI tools into its devices, Apple is positioning itself to be a formidable player in the AI space, potentially transforming the user experience for millions of its customers.