Apple has introduced a sneak peek of its upcoming AI features, known as Apple Intelligence, for the latest iPhone, iPad, and Mac models in the US. This update brings several exciting enhancements to Apple devices, including improved Siri capabilities, better writing tools, and a new image generator.
What’s New in Apple Intelligence?
Announced at the WWDC event last month, Apple Intelligence is now available in a developer beta version for iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, starting July 30, 2024. This early version is only accessible to developers who have paid for an annual subscription.
Key features in this preview include:
- Updated Siri: A more advanced and user-friendly Siri experience.
- Enhanced Photo Search: Easier and faster image searches.
- AI-Generated Summaries: Automated summaries for emails and messages to save time.
However, this beta version does not include all the promised features, such as image and emoji generation, automatic photo cleanup, or integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Impact and European Regulations
Apple’s focus on AI has recently boosted its market value to record highs. Despite this success, Apple has decided to delay some AI features in Europe. This delay is due to new regulations under the Digital Markets Act, which aims to prevent unfair practices by large tech companies.
Margrethe Vestager, the European Competition Commissioner, commented on Apple’s decision. She suggested that Apple’s choice to roll out AI features in regions where there are fewer regulatory requirements could be a strategy to limit competition where they already have a strong presence.
Conclusion
In summary, Apple’s Apple Intelligence preview brings several new AI-driven enhancements to its devices, though some features are missing from this early version. The company’s decision to delay the rollout in Europe highlights ongoing challenges with new regulations.