Preliminary Apple Intelligence options for the iPad mini embody notification summaries. Whereas probably helpful, these lack the “wow” issue of competitor choices from Google, OpenAI, and Meta Platforms. Gurman’s report cites inside Apple research that discovered OpenAI’s ChatGPT to be 25% extra correct than Apple’s Siri, with the flexibility to reply 30% extra questions. Some inside Apple reportedly consider their generative AI know-how is greater than two years behind trade leaders.
Writing instruments are to be among the many first Apple AI options accessible on the iPad Mini. | Picture credit score — Apple
Regardless of this, Gurman believes it could be unwise to dismiss Apple. The corporate has huge sources, a robust model, and a historical past of catching up in areas the place it initially lagged, similar to with Apple Maps. Apple additionally has the benefit of an enormous system ecosystem, permitting it to rapidly deploy new options throughout its product line.
The Apple Watch at the moment doesn’t instantly help Apple Intelligence, however notification summaries may be delivered to the system from a paired iPhone. The corporate can also be engaged on bringing these options to the Imaginative and prescient Professional headset and its subsequent wave of AI-centric residence gadgets.
Gurman notes that whereas Apple’s advertising could lead customers to consider they’re getting cutting-edge AI capabilities, the fact at launch is much less spectacular. He questions how a lot customers really care about AI, suggesting that digicam developments stay a stronger promoting level for gadgets just like the iPhone.
Apple’s Picture Playground just isn’t slated for launch till December 2024. | Picture credit score — Apple
Apple’s inventory is at the moment buying and selling at a report excessive, with a market valuation of $3.6 trillion, pushed partially by pleasure surrounding AI. Nevertheless, Gurman believes Apple’s true AI achievements are nonetheless some years away.
Personally, I am intrigued by the potential of Apple Intelligence, however I am additionally cautious. Apple has a historical past of delivering polished person experiences, so I am hopeful that their AI choices will finally catch as much as the competitors. Nevertheless, I am not satisfied that AI is at the moment a significant promoting level for many customers. I am extra eager about tangible enhancements to current options and capabilities.