Apple is increasingly setting its sights on the rapidly evolving world of generative AI. With competitors like ChatGPT making waves in the industry, Apple is gearing up to ensure it doesn't get left behind. New reports back up previous information that the company is targeting AI development for Siri and other products. There have also been rumors since the start of the year that Apple is looking to create its own AI chatbot.
Generative AI: Apple's Next Frontier
Apple's recent endeavors indicate a strong commitment to harnessing the power of generative AI. The company, which had been relatively silent in the AI domain, especially when OpenAI ChatGPT gained immense popularity, is now making significant strides. Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, has revealed that the company has been delving into generative AI technology for quite some time. This revelation comes amidst speculations that Apple was caught off-guard by the sudden surge in AI-driven technologies by competitors like Google and Microsoft.
An inside source mentioned, “There's a lot of anxiety about this and it's considered a pretty big miss internally.” This sentiment underscores the urgency and importance Apple is placing on its AI initiatives. Earlier reports suggest that Apple has been testing its own large language model named Ajax and an internal chatbot termed “Apple GPT”.
The Trio Leading the Charge
At the helm of Apple's AI push are John Giannandrea, Craig Federighi, and Eddy Cue. Giannandrea, responsible for the foundational technology of the new AI system, is focusing on enhancing Siri's capabilities. The aim is to deeply integrate the smarter version of Siri, which might see a release as early as next year. Federighi's team, on the other hand, is working on infusing AI into the upcoming iOS version, leveraging the company's large language model to refine AI functionalities. This would enhance Siri's and the Messages app's ability to respond to queries and complete sentences, aligning with advancements seen in rival services.
Furthermore, Apple's software engineering teams are exploring the integration of generative AI into development tools like Xcode. This move is anticipated to aid app developers in crafting applications more swiftly, aligning with services like Microsoft's GitHub Copilot. Eddy Cue's team is pushing for AI integration across a plethora of apps, exploring innovations for Apple Music and the company's suite of productivity apps.
The Road Ahead for iPad
In related news, while Apple is gearing up for new Mac announcements, the iPad lineup seems settled for the year. Reports suggest that Apple is planning to unveil new iPads around March of 2024. The upcoming range includes an M2-powered iPad Air, an iPad mini equipped with an A15 Bionic chip, and an upgraded version of the standard iPad. This timeline provides context to Apple's recent release of the new Apple Pencil (USB-C) without accompanying iPad hardware.
