TLDR: iOS 18 AI features rumored to be ‘on device’ with a focus on user privacy
Key Points:
- Apple is focusing on AI features for iOS 18 to compete with competitors like Microsoft and Google.
- iOS 18 AI features are rumored to work ‘on device,’ maintaining user privacy by keeping data on the iPhone.
With AI features on the horizon for iOS 18, Apple is looking to enhance the capabilities of its iPhone while maintaining a focus on user privacy. The company’s shift towards AI, particularly with the upcoming M4 chipset for Macs and MacBooks, signifies a move to compete with tech giants in the AI space. iOS 18 is expected to bring new AI-powered capabilities to iPhones, with a strong emphasis on processing data ‘on device’ to ensure user privacy.
Bloomberg’s Apple insider, Mark Gurman, suggests that Apple’s AI features for iOS 18 will not require data to be sent to cloud servers for processing, unlike most AI platforms. While this approach aligns with Apple’s commitment to privacy, it may pose challenges for older iPhone models that struggle to handle intensive AI tasks. However, in a bid to maintain relevance in the AI landscape, Apple is exploring partnerships with third-party companies like OpenAI, Google, and Baidu.
Apple’s collaboration with these tech giants may involve sharing data with their cloud computing infrastructure, potentially compromising user privacy. Despite Apple’s efforts to build its cloud infrastructure for AI work, it may not be ready in time for the iOS 18 rollout. As reports suggest, third-party partnerships could fill this gap until Apple’s infrastructure is up and running.
Gurman’s insights hint at possible changes in Apple’s AI strategy, with the official announcements expected at the WWDC in June. The focus on user privacy, combined with advancements in AI capabilities, will likely shape the future of iOS devices and Apple’s competitive position in the AI market.