Artificial Intelligence – Where is it now?
Actually, AI, or Artificial Intelligence is everywhere right now! (AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines, enabling them to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation.) Google uses AI across a variety of services – enhanced Google Searches, Google Assistant, and Google Photos. Meta (formerly Facebook) uses AI in detecting and removing hate speech and misinformation, and with AI algorithms to personalize your content feed. Amazon uses it for product recommendations and Alexa. Microsoft has AI in its Azure cloud services and Cortana (its virtual assistant).
What about Apple?
Apple has used AI for a while, too, starting way back in 2007 when the iPhone implemented predictive text and auto-correction. Siri was one of the first widely used AI-powered virtual assistants. Face ID, Home Pod, photo organization are all other advancements in recent years. Now, they’re taking it the next level with Apple Intelligence to be a significant part of iOS 18 coming this fall, and I’m excited about it!
In fact, Apple Intelligence is the impetus for me reviving a tech blog after many years. I think it will be a significant leap forward in making our daily tasks with our digital devices easier, faster and more enjoyable. I especially want to share how to use these new features with others of my generation. Baby boomers and retirees, read on and get ready to revolutionize your digital lives! The first beta version of Apple Intelligence was just released to developers on July 29th, and the full public version will debut in October. Here’s a sneak peak!
Power-packed Language Tools
Ever wish your phone could proofread your messages or summarize lengthy emails? With iOS 18, that’s now a reality. Apple Intelligence brings powerful language tools that can rewrite and proofread your text across any app. Whether you’re drafting an email, jotting down a social media post, or sending a quick text, the AI ensures your grammar is perfect. It even prioritizes your notifications and emails based on context, so the important stuff always rises to the top. When you write a reply, you can have Apple Intelligence rewrite it in a specific style – Friendly, Professional or Concise. Safari introduces Highlights, a feature that uses machine learning to pull key information from web pages, and a redesigned Reader mode that simplifies article viewing.
Image Magic
Photos are getting a significant upgrade too. Create an entirely new image based on a description, suggested concepts, and even a person from your Photos library. Draw a rough sketch and have it transformed into a detailed illustration. Plus, an updated Memories function in the Photos app will automatically compile your best shots into beautiful storylines and videos.
Siri, but Smarter
Remember the first time you asked Siri a question, and she actually gave you a helpful answer? Imagine that, but on a whole new level. Apple Intelligence is like Siri on steroids—smarter, faster, and way more capable. Siri isn’t just a voice assistant anymore—it’s your new best friend with a brain boost. The AI integration allows Siri to understand more complex and natural language commands. You can even type your requests if you’re not in the mood to talk. Siri can now perform actions across different apps, making it easier to manage your tasks. Apple Intelligence gives Siri onscreen awareness, so it can automatically take action with things on your screen. If someone sends you a new address in a text, you can just say “Add this to their contact card”, and Siri will take care of it without you needing to copy and paste. She’ll be able to help you in ways that are unique to you because of awareness of your personal context. For example, you know a friend sent you a recipe a while back, but was it in a note, a text, or an email? Just ask Siri, and she’ll pull it right up for you.
Smarter Mail App
I’m most excited about the integration of Apple Intelligence with the Mail app. Open your email and the Mail app now categorizes your inbox into Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions, helping you find important messages faster. There’s also a new digest view for a quick summary of emails from the same sender. Got an important meeting? Apple Intelligence will scan your emails, identify the key details, and even create a calendar event for you. It’s like having a personal assistant right in your pocket.
Messages: Enhanced and Expanded
Texting just got a lot more exciting. You can now send texts via satellite when you’re off the grid, thanks to the new Messages via Satellite feature. This is a game-changer for those in remote areas, whether hiking for the day or on vacation in the Amazon. Plus, iOS 18 supports RCS messaging, making chats with Android users smoother and more reliable. And if that’s not enough, you can schedule texts to send later, complete with animated effects and formatting options.
Chat GPT
Apple has teamed up with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT directly into iOS 18. ChatGPT is a smart AI created by the company OpenAI that can chat with you like a real person. It understands your questions and gives back helpful, human-like answers. It’s great for writing content and finding information. This means more intelligent responses and expert advice at your fingertips, without having to open a separate app. Siri can tap into ChatGPT for detailed questions about photos or documents, ensuring you get the most accurate information quickly.
Privacy First
Concerned about privacy? Apple’s on it. They’re ensuring all your data stays secure and private. Apple Intelligence won’t be sharing your secrets with anyone else, so you can trust it with your information. Apple’s commitment to privacy remains strong with iOS 18. New features let you lock and hide apps, ensuring that your sensitive information stays protected. You can manage who sees your app data and how your iPhone connects to other devices, giving you more control over your digital footprint
Final Thoughts
The only downside is that Apple Intelligence will only be available for newer Apple devices. For iPhones, that means the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, as well as the iPhone 16 coming out in September. That’s because the A-series and M-series chip are the only ones designed to handle the complex computations required for the AI tasks. If you are in the market for a new phone, I would recommend only getting one that will work with Apple Intelligence so that you are ready for all that it will bring in the future.
Apple Intelligence is about to make your life easier, more efficient, and a whole lot more connected. Stay tuned for more updates as I will download the public beta version with Apple Intelligence as soon as it is available.
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