More individuals will have the opportunity to test a software upgrade on Friday that will integrate artificial intelligence into Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, and automate a number of time-consuming activities.
The public who have signed up to test Apple’s software before it is made available to all iPhone owners next month can get the update for free on Thursday. Only two high-end iPhone models from last year have the upgraded processor needed to run the AI features included in the update as of Thursday; however, that will change on Friday when four new iPhone 16 models hit store shelves.
With beginning prices between $800 and $1,200, all iPhone 16 versions are capable of utilizing the new technology, which the company is promoting as “Apple Intelligence.” This branding is a part of an attempt to set the AI in the iPhone apart from similar technology found in handsets that Google and Samsung unveiled earlier this year.
A test version of the software enabling the technology may encourage more customers to spend their money on one of the new models as soon as possible, as the AI features are being marketed as one of the primary benefits of purchasing an iPhone 16.
For the time being, the AI technology is only available in American English; but, in December, it will also be available in localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Next year, Apple intends to launch in more languages and nations. Only a few days after Apple introduced iOS 1, its most recent mobile operating system, the AI software testing has begun.Additional AI capabilities included in the software update will handle various writing and editing duties as well as condense email and document content. Additionally, the AI will offer a range of editing capabilities to modify the look of images and facilitate the discovery of older images.
However, other AI tricks that are still to come, like the capacity to generate unique emojis instantly or summon other fantastical images upon request, are not included in the initial release. Additionally, Apple intends to someday allow customers to request assistance from OpenAI’s ChatGPT through its AI suite.
Because they have the necessary unique computer chip, Apple’s AI functions will also function on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max from last year in addition to the new model. With the update, the two iPhone 15 models will also be able to shoot spatial video, which will be viewable on Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro headset.
However, the inability of the AI to function on the hundreds of millions of older iPhones still in use is a flaw that some investors believe would boost Apple’s recently declining sales of the popular smartphone.
Apple’s stock price has increased by about 15% since the company unveiled its AI strategy in June, generating $500 billion in value for shareholders, primarily due to this assumption. Within the next year, according to some analysts, Apple’s market capitalization may surpass $4 trillion for the first time due to the increased demand for new iPhones.8 to every iPhone released before that.
The frequently uncooperative Siri is expected to become more talkative, adaptable, and colorful after the iOS 18.1 update is implemented. It will also have a bright light that will move around the iPhone’s screen as it reacts to commands. Although Apple promises that Siri will be more capable and less prone to confusion, it won’t be able to communicate with other apps that are loaded on the iPhone until a later software update is released at an as-yet-undetermined date.