What is Apple Intelligence, when is it coming and who will get it? | TechCrunch

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the announcement and details of Apple's new artificial intelligence platform, Apple Intelligence (AI), which was unveiled at WWDC 2024 and is set to be integrated into various Apple products and services.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Apple Intelligence Platform

1. What is Apple Intelligence (AI)?

• Apple Intelligence (AI) is not a standalone feature, but rather an integration of AI technology into existing Apple offerings.
• It leverages large language models (LLMs) and deep learning to enhance features like text generation, image generation, and Siri capabilities across various Apple apps and devices.

2. How does Apple's approach to AI differ from other platforms?

• Apple has taken a "small-model, bespoke approach" to training, focusing on specific tasks like email composition rather than a "kitchen sink" approach.
• This allows for more resource-efficient on-device processing, with more complex queries utilizing Apple's new Private Cloud Compute offering.

3. What are some of the key AI-powered features coming to Apple devices?

• Text generation tools for summarizing, proofreading, and composing messages across apps like Mail, Messages, and Pages.
• Image generation capabilities, including the ability to create custom emojis (Genmojis) and a standalone Image Playground app.
• Improvements to Siri, including deeper integration across apps and onscreen awareness to provide more contextual responses.

4. What is the rollout plan for Apple Intelligence?

• The initial release will be in the U.S. in English in October 2024, followed by localized English in other countries in December 2024.
• Expanded language support for Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish is planned for 2025.
• Only the Pro versions of the iPhone 15 will have access initially, but the entire iPhone 16 line is expected to support Apple Intelligence.

5. How does Apple's partnership with OpenAI fit into the Apple Intelligence strategy?

• The partnership with OpenAI is more about offering an alternative platform for tasks that Apple Intelligence is not built for, rather than powering the Apple AI platform directly.
• This is a tacit acknowledgement that Apple's small-model approach has limitations, and the company plans to partner with additional generative AI services, such as Google Gemini.

[02] Pricing and Availability

1. Is Apple Intelligence free to use?

• Yes, Apple Intelligence is free to use, as long as the user has one of the supported Apple devices.

2. How does the pricing compare to other generative AI platforms like ChatGPT?

• While Apple Intelligence is free, users with paid accounts to platforms like ChatGPT will have access to premium features that free users don't.
• This is likely to be a significant driver for the adoption of these other generative AI platforms.