Apple introduces new AI tools with ChatGPT support and major OS updates, emphasizing data security
Apple Inc. has announced new artificial intelligence features, supported by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, at the Worldwide Developers Conference, as reported by the Financial Post.
The platform, called “Apple Intelligence,” aims to provide personalized, safe, and integrated technology within Apple’s software.
Senior Vice-President Craig Federighi detailed that Apple Intelligence will help summarize text, create original images, and retrieve relevant data.
He stated, “This is a moment we’ve been working toward for a long time.” Alongside this, Apple introduced new versions of operating systems for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
The partnership with OpenAI will allow Apple customers to access ChatGPT via the Siri digital assistant at no extra cost. These features will be available through a beta test later this year, with some capabilities coming in 2025.
OpenAI’s chief executive, Sam Altman, expressed his excitement about the collaboration on social media.
Federighi emphasized customer data security, introducing Private Cloud Compute to protect users' information when it is sent to data centres.
The event also highlighted new operating system updates, including iOS 18, which will let users customize and secure their applications. Email and text capabilities will be enhanced with new effects and satellite connection support for sending messages.
Despite these announcements, Apple’s stock fell nearly two percent to US$193.26.
Earlier, Apple introduced visionOS 2, the latest software for the Vision Pro headset, which can turn regular photos into 3D images and includes new gestures. The Vision Pro will launch internationally, with preorders starting in China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore on June 13, and sales on June 28.
Preorders in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom will begin on June 28, with sales starting on July 12.
New AirPods software will enhance call clarity by removing background noise. The Apple Watch will gain additional health features, such as enhanced pregnancy tracking and a vital statistics app. A redesigned watch face will use machine learning to display users’ photos.
Apple will also introduce its calculator app to the iPad, supporting the Apple Pencil for handwritten equations. The new Mac software, Sequoia, will simplify mirroring the iPhone on users’ computers.
Apple initially led in AI with Siri’s launch in 2011 but has since been overtaken by Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa.
The arrival of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022 spurred a surge of AI services from other tech giants, including Google, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms Inc. Samsung Electronics Co. also integrated Google AI features into its devices earlier this year.
Apple CEO Tim Cook faces pressure to demonstrate that the company can lead in AI again amid a broader sales slump. Revenue declined in five of the past six quarters due to sluggish smartphone demand and a slowdown in China.
