Apple is set to offer a sneak peek of its upcoming AI-infused operating system, iOS 18, in beta form.
Apple's upcoming iOS 18, codenamed 'Apple Intelligence', marks a significant leap in artificial intelligence (AI) integration. This suite of generative AI features is set to revolutionise the operating system and core apps, promising a more intuitive and creative user experience [1].
Core AI Features in iOS 18
The heart of 'Apple Intelligence' is its integration across the operating system and core apps. This comprehensive AI strategy includes writing, image creation, summarisation, and a revamped Siri [1].
Device Requirements
The AI-powered features in iOS 18 are limited to the latest devices. iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models will have access to these features. For iPad and Mac users, an M1 chip or newer is required [1].
Feature Rollout
The first wave of 'Apple Intelligence' features, including Writing Tools, Smart Replies, and notification summaries, arrived with iOS 18.1. iOS 18.2 introduced Genmoji, Image Playground, Image Wand, Visual Intelligence, and ChatGPT integration with Siri [1].
Notable AI Feature Updates in Beta
Siri Enhancements
- ChatGPT Integration: Siri can now leverage ChatGPT for answers it can't provide, with users given the option to confirm before data is sent to ChatGPT. This integration does not require a ChatGPT account, but account holders can enjoy a more personalised experience [1][2].
- Improved Interaction: Siri is now more forgiving of natural speech errors and better at handling follow-up questions after delivering a result. The interface has also received a visual refresh, with a multicolor halo to indicate activation [2].
- Silent Invocation: Siri can now be invoked without the "Hey Siri" wake phrase, reducing accidental activations in multi-device environments and enabling more discreet use [2].
- Limitations: Siri's ability to offer personalised answers based on user context is still under development and not yet available in the current beta [2][3]. Major advancements promised in 2024 are delayed, with more significant updates targeting 2026, potentially using third-party models like ChatGPT or Anthropic’s Claude [3].
Messages
- Polls Feature: Messages now support AI-generated poll suggestions based on conversation context [4].
- Enhanced Search: Search in Messages uses natural language processing, making it easier to find past conversations even with incomplete or paraphrased queries [4].
Image Creation
- Genmoji: Users can now combine two emoji or mix emoji with text prompts to create new Genmoji. Customisation options for Genmoji based on contacts or photos include facial expressions, hairstyles, and facial hair [1][4].
- Image Playground: This tool allows users to generate images using prompts and further refine them within the app. Exact new features for the latest beta are still rolling out, but enhanced creativity options are emphasised [1].
Writing and Summarisation
- Writing Tools: AI-powered writing assistance is available system-wide, offering grammar checks, rewrites, and summarisations [1].
- Notification Summaries: Notifications are automatically grouped and summarised, prioritising the most important alerts [1].
Limitations and Caveats
- Device Exclusivity: Many of these AI features are only available on the latest hardware, reflecting the computational demands of on-device AI processing [1].
- Feature Maturity: While Apple has introduced several AI capabilities, some promised advancements—especially for Siri—remain in development and are not present in the current beta [2][3].
- Privacy Focus: AI features are designed to run on-device where possible, though certain functions (like ChatGPT integration) may involve cloud processing with user consent [1][2].
Summary Table: Key AI Features in iOS 18 Beta
| Feature | Description | Device Requirement | Availability (Beta) | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------| | Siri & ChatGPT | Direct ChatGPT integration, improved dialogue, silent invocation | iPhone 15 Pro/Max, 16 series | iOS 18.2+ | | Genmoji | Combine emoji, text prompts, photo-based customization | iPhone 15 Pro/Max, 16 series | iOS 18.2+ | | Image Playground | AI image generation & editing | iPhone 15 Pro/Max, 16 series | iOS 18.2+ | | Writing Tools | Grammar, rewrite, summarization | iPhone 15 Pro/Max, 16 series | iOS 18.1+ | | Messages Polls/Search | AI-suggested polls, natural language search | iPhone 15 Pro/Max, 16 series | iOS 18.2+ | | Notification Summaries | Prioritised, summarised notifications | iPhone 15 Pro/Max, 16 series | iOS 18.1+ |
Conclusion
Apple's iOS 18 beta delivers a robust set of AI-driven features under the Apple Intelligence umbrella, with a clear focus on on-device processing, natural language interaction, and creative tools like Genmoji and Image Playground [1][2][4]. However, the most advanced Siri personalisation and some broader AI ambitions are still in development, with more transformative updates expected in future releases [2][3]. Users should note the strict hardware requirements for accessing these features and the phased rollout of capabilities through subsequent iOS 18 updates.
The Siri integration in Apple Intelligence, with ChatGPT, aims to provide more personalized answers by leveraging ChatGPT for unanswered questions, while simultaneously offering a visually updated interface and improved interaction capabilities [1][2]. Additionally, the强化的图像创作工具Image Playground enables users to generate images using prompts, with further refinements within the app [1].
