The insights come from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, a journalist renowned for his accurate predictions about Apple’s future plans, including early disclosures of software and hardware developments.
In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman provides an outline of several AI-driven upgrades set to arrive with iOS 18 (and in some cases, macOS 15). Here’s a breakdown of the anticipated features based on the latest information:
1. Voice Memo Transcription
Transforming voice memos into text using AI is a feature that has become increasingly prevalent – the Google Pixel Recorder app is a prime example. This functionality is expected to be integrated into the Voice Memos app in iOS 18.
2. Photo Retouching
Generative AI editing tools, similar to those available on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, are familiar to many. Expected enhancements could allow users to move or erase objects and optimize colors within the Photos app, which has already been rumored to receive an update.
3. Enhanced Search Capabilities
Gurman indicates that search functions across iOS 18 and macOS 15 will be “faster and more reliable” due to AI improvements. Enhanced search could bring results from additional apps and improved support for natural language queries.
4. Automated Replies
Users may soon be able to generate smart AI responses in Apple Mail and Apple Messages apps. These suggested responses can be reviewed and edited before sending, offering convenience while maintaining control over the content.
5. Safari Enhancements
A significant upgrade for Safari is reportedly in the works. Gurman notes improvements in web search functionality with AI assistance, aimed at delivering more relevant results and quick summaries of visited websites.
6. More Natural Siri
Siri is set to receive updates that make interactions more natural and conversational. Drawing on Apple’s advanced language models, Siri’s responses should sound more person-like and less robotic.
7. AI-Generated Emojis
One novel feature highlighted by Gurman is an AI-powered emoji generator. This tool would create custom emojis instantly based on the user’s typing, ensuring you always find the perfect emoji for your message.
8. Smart Summaries
Expect smart summaries to permeate iOS 18, including emails, webpages, messages, and notifications. This feature aims to streamline information consumption, saving users considerable time.
9. Home Screen Customizations
Not strictly AI-related but significant nonetheless, Gurman reiterates that iOS 18 will allow greater flexibility in arranging home screen app shortcuts and customizing their colors to fit specific themes.
While these features are among those Gurman specifically mentions in his report, more updates are likely to be revealed when iOS 18 is officially launched. Potential enhancements include tighter integration between Calendar and Reminders, advanced math functionalities in Notes, and smoother song transitions in Apple Music, setting the stage for a particularly robust software update..
Apple AI and OpenAI ChatGPT
In his latest report, Gurman provides insight into Apple’s anticipated collaboration with OpenAI, the creators behind ChatGPT and Dall-E. While Apple’s proprietary AI models, which are accessible both on the iPhone and via the cloud, will manage the essential AI functionalities previously mentioned, these will not extend to supporting a comprehensive AI chatbot.
For this purpose, Gurman indicates that Apple intends to collaborate with OpenAI to incorporate ChatGPT as an option for iPhone users. The specifics of how this integration will be distinct from the existing ChatGPT iOS app remain unclear, but it suggests that more profound integration with Apple’s software ecosystem is forthcoming. The announcement of this partnership is slated for WWDC 2024 on June 10, where Apple will also unveil a host of new iOS and macOS features.
Nevertheless, Apple aims not to be solely dependent on OpenAI, according to Gurman. Discussions are underway to potentially offer Google Gemini as another AI chatbot alternative. This development, however, will not be part of the announcements at the June WWDC 2024 event. Additional chatbot options may be introduced over time.
The report further highlights that Apple will prioritize the privacy aspect of its AI tools—whether on-device or cloud-based—compared to those offered by competitors such as Google and Meta. Lastly, Gurman notes that the AI features in iOS 18 may initially be labeled as ‘preview’ to denote their ongoing development stage.
