Apple releases new preview of its AI, including ChatGPT integration

Technology
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 5:48 pm EDT

Key Points

  • Apple Intelligence Features and ChatGPT Integration: Apple released a beta version of its AI-powered Apple Intelligence, including ChatGPT integration, for developers with plans for a public release in iOS 18.1. These features are exclusive to newer devices, potentially driving iPhone upgrades.
  • New AI Tools in iOS 18.2 Beta: The beta includes features like text rewriting capabilities, Genmoji (an emoji generator), Image Playground (an AI image generator), and Image Wand (for photo editing), although Siri’s ability to perform in-app actions is still pending.
  • Collaboration with OpenAI: Apple’s partnership with OpenAI allows Siri to delegate complex questions to ChatGPT and includes Visual Intelligence, where the camera identifies text or objects. OpenAI benefits from this collaboration after its recent $157 billion valuation boost.

Apple released a beta version of its highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features, including ChatGPT integration, as part of the iOS 18.2 developer beta. These AI-powered features were first announced in the summer and are expected to drive demand for iPhone upgrades, as they are available only on newer models. The full public release is set to coincide with iOS 18.1 next week, but Wednesday’s beta offers a glimpse into several new capabilities.

The latest iOS 18.2 beta introduces tools like the ability for users to instruct Apple Intelligence on how to rewrite text, alongside Genmoji, a new image generator for creating custom emojis. Other features include Image Playground, which generates AI-powered images, and Image Wand, allowing users to remove objects or distractions from photos. A key highlight of the update is its integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, though Siri’s ability to take in-app actions—an eagerly awaited feature—has yet to be rolled out.

Apple’s AI strategy includes working closely with OpenAI, allowing Siri to hand off complex queries to ChatGPT. When Siri identifies a question better suited for OpenAI’s chatbot, it will ask users for permission to engage ChatGPT, without requiring them to have an OpenAI account. Additionally, ChatGPT will assist with Apple’s Visual Intelligence, enabling the camera to identify and translate text or objects in real-time, further enhancing users’ experience.

This partnership between Apple and OpenAI is significant, as OpenAI recently reached a valuation of $157 billion. Apple’s collaboration with OpenAI mirrors Microsoft’s deep integration of OpenAI models into its products. However, details of the financial arrangement between the companies have not been disclosed, and Apple has indicated openness to integrating other AI models, such as those from Google, in the future.

Some Apple Intelligence features have already been released in earlier stages of testing, such as text rewriting, a revamped Siri interface, and summarized notifications. These advancements mark a major leap in Apple’s AI capabilities, as the company looks to harness the potential of AI to enhance user experience and differentiate its latest iPhone models.

For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/23/apple-releases-new-preview-of-its-ai-including-chatgpt-integration-.html