Apple has unveiled its new Apple Intelligence AI platform to developers through the latest iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia developer betas released on Monday. This follows the initial reveal at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference in June. The developer beta program allows app creators to test and integrate the upcoming software features into their apps before the official release.
The new developer betas include several Apple Intelligence features such as Writing Tools, an upgraded Siri capable of understanding voice and text inputs, AI enhancements in Mail for email summarizations and Smart Replies, and AI-powered transcription summarizations. Future updates will introduce ChatGPT integration and the ability for Siri to perform actions in third-party apps.
Developers can access Apple Intelligence through a new button in the Settings menu, joining a waitlist to use the feature within a few hours. This gradual rollout ensures Apple’s cloud services are not overwhelmed. Apple Intelligence uses both on-device and cloud processing.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple plans to launch Apple Intelligence in October rather than September to allow more time for development and for developers to adapt to the new software. This delay means that users of the upcoming iPhone 16 will have to wait a few weeks after purchase to use the AI platform.
Apple Intelligence represents a significant leap in Apple's software evolution, introducing generative AI technologies to its users. Proper rollout execution is critical to ensure a smooth experience for millions of users. Analysts expect Apple Intelligence to boost iPhone sales, leading to a surge in the upgrade cycle. However, the new software will only be compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, prompting users of older models to upgrade.
While some believe pent-up demand for new phones post-pandemic will drive sales, others see Apple Intelligence as a critical motivator for upgrades. Apple aims to avoid issues faced by competitors, such as Google's problematic AI Overviews service.
Google and Samsung have also introduced generative AI features for their smartphones. Google is set to debut its Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold phones with AI enhancements on August 13, emphasizing improvements in user experience.