Apple is giving users an early opportunity to test a significant software update designed to enhance its virtual assistant, Siri, with artificial intelligence. The update, which automates a range of tasks, will be available on the latest iPhone models set for release this Friday.
The beta version of the update was released on Thursday to a select group of users who signed up to preview Apple’s software before its general release. As of now, only two high-end iPhones from last year have the advanced processor needed to support these new AI features. However, starting Friday, four new iPhone 16 models will be equipped to handle the technology.
The iPhone 16 series, with prices starting between $800 and $1,200, comes fully equipped with the new AI capabilities, branded as “Apple Intelligence.” This branding effort aims to distinguish Apple’s AI from similar offerings in rival smartphones, such as those from Samsung and Google.
The AI features are positioned as a key selling point for the iPhone 16 models. By offering a test version of the software before its full rollout, Apple may be encouraging customers to upgrade sooner rather than later.
Initially, the AI update will only be available in U.S. English, with localized versions for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. expected in December. Apple plans to extend these features to additional languages and countries in 2024.
This testing phase follows the recent release of iOS 18, Apple’s newest operating system, which was made available to existing iPhone users earlier this week. Once the iOS 18.1 update is installed, Siri is expected to become more conversational and capable, responding to requests with a glowing light rotating around the iPhone screen. Although Apple promises Siri will be more efficient and less prone to errors, integration with third-party apps won’t be available until a future software update.
Additional AI features in the update will handle tasks like writing, proofreading, and summarizing emails and documents. The update will also introduce advanced photo-editing tools and improve the ability to search for old pictures.
However, the initial update won’t include some of the more creative AI features Apple has teased, such as the ability to generate custom emojis or produce images on request. These enhancements, along with potential integrations with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, are expected in later updates.
In addition to the iPhone 16 models, last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will also support the new AI features, thanks to their advanced chips. The update will also introduce spatial video recording capabilities to those models, allowing the videos to be viewed on Apple’s Vision Pro headset, which is priced at $3,500.
However, the new AI features won’t be available on older iPhone models, a limitation that analysts believe could drive demand for the newer devices. This anticipated boost in iPhone sales is seen as a major factor in Apple’s stock price increase of more than 15% since the company first revealed its AI strategy in June, adding $500 billion to its market value. Some analysts believe this surge in demand could push Apple’s market capitalization above $4 trillion within the next year.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
