iOS 18, the upcoming major update to Apple’s iPhone operating system, is set to introduce a range of AI-powered features. While tech giants like Google and Microsoft are focusing on creating AI chatbots, Apple is taking a different approach by enhancing existing utilities and apps within the Apple ecosystem, such as Siri, Safari, Messages, and Spotlight Search. This strategy aligns with Apple’s commitment to user privacy, with most of the AI features expected to be “on device.”
One of the rumored AI features for iOS 18 is Siri’s ability to provide summarizations in Messages. Although details are limited, it is speculated that Siri will be able to give users a synopsis of text messages. This feature could prove useful for quickly understanding the content of a conversation.
Safari, Apple’s web browser, is also rumored to receive summarization capabilities. Users will have the option to generate AI-generated summaries of any webpage on their screen. This feature could save time and allow users to quickly grasp the main points of an article or webpage.
Another area where iOS 18 is expected to see AI enhancements is Spotlight Search. With the help of Apple Ajax, the large language model (LLM) powering these AI features, iOS 18 will be able to generate sentence-long responses without relying on cloud-based processing. This means that Spotlight Search will become smarter and more efficient. For example, when searching for a saved contact’s name, Spotlight Search will display their information and even take into account any relevant events from the Calendar app.
While Apple Ajax can perform basic AI tasks offline, more complex computations may still require cloud-based processing. This hybrid approach ensures a balance between privacy and advanced AI capabilities.
iOS 18 is set to be unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10 and is expected to be released alongside the new iPhone 16 series in September. This update showcases Apple’s dedication to incorporating AI into its ecosystem while prioritizing user privacy and improving the overall user experience.
