Since ChatGPT’s groundbreaking debut in 2022, a fierce race to integrate AI tools has gripped the tech landscape. Microsoft, a key OpenAI supporter, swiftly debuted Bing Chat (now Copilot) and infused AI across its products. Google, after a wobbly start, unleashed Bard and a suite of AI-enhanced features. Samsung is set to launch its AI-powered Galaxy S lineup this month.
Apple, however, has remained noticeably silent on the AI front, despite persistent efforts behind the scenes. That silence may soon be broken.
According to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, Apple’s generative AI push will emerge as part of iOS 18. The iPhone maker is diligently crafting its own large language model, dubbed Ajax internally, and is likely to unveil its AI offerings at WWDC in June. Gurman suggests that Apple has been testing its AI model since early 2023.
While Google has already released AI-infused Pixel 8 phones and Samsung prepares to introduce Galaxy AI on its upcoming devices, Apple is taking a different approach by focusing on AI services for iPhones. Gurman’s newsletter hints at potential features, including “auto-summarizing” and “auto-complete” for core apps like Pages and Keynote.
Will Apple manage to catch up in the AI race? WWDC might offer some answers. One thing is certain: the battle for AI dominance is in full swing, and the stakes have never been higher.
In December, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that upcoming models of the iPhone 16 would feature an upgraded microphone aimed at significantly improving the Siri experience and voice input. Kuo mentioned that the Siri team at Apple has been actively developing large language models (LLMs) and other AI features since Q3 2023.
Recent reports indicate that Apple is in negotiations with publishers to train its generative AI systems using news content. The company purportedly proposed multiyear agreements valued at a minimum of $50 million (roughly Rs. 420 crore) to obtain licenses for news article archives from publishers such as Condé Nast, the New Yorker, NBC News, and others.
Raksha, a seasoned journalist, specializes in crafting insightful narratives on blockchain and AI developments. With a keen eye for innovation, she distills complex topics into accessible stories, providing readers with a clear understanding of the dynamic intersection between these transformative technologies.
