Apple Intelligence Launch: Review Responses Fall Flat

Apple has finally started to release updates for its AI-powered tools across its platforms including iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. This announcement came on Monday as the tech giant unveiled its latest enhancements, which were highly anticipated.

Despite the excitement surrounding the launch, early reviews of Apple Intelligence have been largely disappointing. According to Julian Chokkattu, senior reviews editor at Wired, the AI experience in its current form is "quite flat." Ina Fried, the chief technology correspondent at Axios, remarked that while the initial release provided "only modest improvements," it left her feeling both hopeful yet eager for further advancements.

The New York Times echoed this sentiment by suggesting that the anticipated AI-enhanced future still seems quite distant. Nevertheless, Apple has met its self-imposed deadline in October to deliver some form of AI capability, leaving it ample time to refine and enhance its offerings in the future.

Apple first announced these AI features during its developer conference in June, marking its entry into a competitive landscape of tech innovations alongside other companies like Google and Microsoft, which have also made strides in AI technology.

Enhancements to Siri and Integration with ChatGPT

Among the updates introduced is a revamped Siri, which can now switch seamlessly between voice and text commands. Siri is designed to understand when users may be struggling with their words, allowing it to respond with greater depth to inquiries. The interface will also include a glow around the edges of the device’s screen to indicate when Siri is actively listening.

Furthermore, through a partnership with OpenAI, Siri is enhanced by ChatGPT, giving users extended assistance and more comprehensive responses. Apple has ensured that this integration is user-friendly, requiring no account for access and operating across various applications like Writing Tools and Camera Controls.

New Writing Features

The update has also introduced writing tools that resemble a blend of Grammarly and Google Docs. Users can now rewrite, summarize, and proofread their documents, as well as modify the tone in applications such as Mail, Messages, Notes, Pages, and select third-party programs.

Improved Features in Apple Photos

For those who use the Apple Photos app, a new “Clean Up” feature will be available, allowing users to eliminate unwanted objects or people from their images. Additionally, the app now supports advanced search capabilities using natural language, making it simpler to locate specific photos by verbal descriptions.

Email Management Enhancements

The update includes new notification summaries and the introduction of “Priority Messages” in the Mail application, designed to help streamline email management. Users will now receive summaries without needing to open each email, highlighting the most urgent communications such as same-day invitations. There is also a “Smart Reply” functionality to suggest quick responses.

Transcription features

Apple has rolled out real-time transcription for phone calls, akin to software like Otter.ai. While the call is ongoing, users can have conversations transcribed and summarized, with the caveat that all parties on the call will be notified that it is being recorded.

Focus on Privacy

Given potential concerns about recording phone calls, Apple reassures users by claiming that its “Private Cloud Compute” feature means user data is not stored or shared with the company. Although ChatGPT is integrated into the Apple Intelligence framework, Apple emphasizes that users’ IP addresses are kept confidential, and OpenAI will not store the requests made to ChatGPT. The system is designed with user privacy as a priority, utilizing on-device processing for many functionalities.

Currently, Apple Intelligence is available in U.S. English, with localized versions set to launch for countries such as Australia, Canada, South Africa, and the U.K. in December. Plans are underway to add support for languages including Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish by April 2025.

Edited by Josh Quittner and Sebastian Sinclair

Apple, AI, Technology