APPLE and Google are locked in an “arms race” about who can “shout the loudest on AI”.
That’s according to one industry insider who claims Apple has some tricks up its sleeve – and is preparing to unveil a major iPhone update in days.
The past year in tech has been dominated by artificial intelligence.
At Google’s special I/O event last month, the company revealed dozens of AI features, including major upgrades to its Gemini chatbot.
DAYS AWAY
Now all eyes are on Apple, with the iPhone maker preparing to reveal the new features coming to your gadgets at its WWDC event on Monday – and AI is on the cards.
“There’s clearly an arms race with the battle of who can shout the loudest on AI,” said industry analyst Paolo Pescatore, speaking to The U.S. Sun.
“Google’s annual I/O developer conference was all about AI as it sought to reclaim some of the head start that OpenAI has undoubtedly opened up against all the other Big Tech companies in the field.”
But Paolo noted that Apple has a key advantage: it has its own Siri software, but it also gets a boost from Google’s systems too.
“Apple’s role is somewhat different to Google’s and can benefit from rivals,” Paolo explained.
“For an example, a lot of Google services are used by consumers on Apple devices.
“This coupled with Apple’s developments on hardware, software and platforms arguably puts in a stronger position to ride high on the AI bandwagon.”
AI COMING SOON
Part of the problem for gadget fans is that Apple is keeping its cards close to its chest.
The company is staying silent until its keynote speech on Monday, June 10.
That’ll kick off at 10am in California, 1pm in New York, and 6pm in London – with The U.S. Sun reporting live from the event.
WHAT IS WWDC 2024?
Here’s what you need to know…
It’s an annual Apple event called the Worldwide Developers Conference.
While it’s mainly for app developers, the keynote usually has exciting news for Apple fans.
We can expect to hear about the free updates coming to iOS for iPhone, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, as well as the new visionOS for the Vision Pro headset.
So if you’re excited about getting new features for your Apple devices, mark your calendar for June 10-14, 2024.
The main event is the Monday keynote at 10am local time at Apple Park in California on June 10.
For New Yorkers, tune in at 1pm – and Londoners should check it out at 6pm.
This event will be livestreamed for free around the world, so don’t miss out on seeing what Apple CEO Tim Cook and his gadget-making team have planned for you.
Normally WWDC is used to announce the major software updates for Apple’s gadgets.
So we’d expect to see new (and free) features that will land on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and even the new Vision Pro headset.
But AI will likely be the dominant trend, according to Paolo.
“Everything is under wraps and we will not know for sure until the keynote,” Paolo, of PP Foresight, explained.
Apple has a proven pedigree and has been working in AI for a long time.
Paolo Pescatore
“However, on the most recent quarterly earnings call, Tim Cook discussed Apple’s use of AI across its products, touted its own AI capabilities which are being well received in current products, as well as teasing future developments.
“This all points to a major iOS update to help drive further iPhone sales.”
AI RIVALS
Right now, Paolo says, Alphabet (which owns Google) and Microsoft have been dominating when it comes to AI.
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They’re all facing stiff competition from OpenAI and its revolutionary ChatGPT chatbot that talks to you as if it was almost human.
That’s led to a major rush to push out AI features for big tech giants.
“AI is now embedded into everyone’s core messaging and earnings amongst Big Tech,” Paolo told The U.S. Sun.
“All these players are ramping up their activities, increasing spend and claiming early successes.
APPLE’S ADVANTAGES REVEALED
Paolo Pescatore, tech analyst at PP Foresight, says that Apple has three big things going for it when it comes to artificial intelligence..
ADVANTAGE #1 – APPLE IS READY
Apple has been preparing for AI for a while.
The company released its first Neural Engine AI processor years ago.
And now most of its modern devices are powerful enough to support clever AI.
ADVANTAGE #2 – IT BENEFITS FROM RIVALS
Apple has its own helper – Siri – on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
But Apple also benefits from its devices serving up rival services too.
For instance, much of the AI tech from Google and Microsoft works on your iPhone.
ADVANTAGE #3 – PEOPLE TRUST APPLE
Paolo noted that Apple’s branding is extremely powerful – and trusted by fans.
So when it comes to getting people actually using AI, Apple has a really good chance of driving “adoption”.
“In this early race, it feels that Alphabet, and even more so Microsoft, are in better shape following their initial moves and with thanks to their cloud assets.”
READY AND WAITING
But even though Apple has been quieter about artificial intelligence than its rivals this year, the iPhone maker is still ready to serve you up some powerful AI tech.
The company has been preparing for an AI revolution for a while, and the gadgets you own are already set up for it.
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“While rivals have been touting their AI capabilities, Apple has a proven pedigree and has been working in AI for a long time,” Paolo told us.
“Its Neural Engine AI processor was first introduced in 2017.
“Apple is now demonstrating its AI prowess with the new redesigned iPad Pro powered by Apple silicon and the transformative M4 chipset.
“This new premium chipset will be a big draw among users and developers.
“This will now extend onto most likely new iPhone A18 chip which expect claims of most advanced and faster chip for AI or something along those lines to feature prominently.
“The very nature of the iPhone powered by the new AI powered chip, combined with new iOS that will power its own services along with Google and others will drive adoption.”
FEATURE PACKED
Paolo also noted that Apple has “gained users’ trust and acceptance” through its smash-hit branding, which will help it to get people using AI features.
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is a new artificial intelligence tool
ChatGPT, which was launched in November 2022, was created by San Francisco-based startup OpenAI, an AI research firm.
It’s part of a new generation of AI systems.
ChatGPT is a language model that can produce text.
It can converse, generate readable text on demand and produce images and video based on what has been learned from a vast database of digital books, online writings and other media.
ChatGPT essentially works like a written dialogue between the AI system and the person asking it questions
GPT stands for Generative Pre-Trained Transformer and describes the type of model that can create AI-generated content.
If you prompt it, for example ask it to “write a short poem about flowers,” it will create a chunk of text based on that request.
ChatGPT can also hold conversations and even learn from things you’ve said.
It can handle very complicated prompts and is even being used by businesses to help with work.
But note that it might not always tell you the truth.
“ChatGPT is incredibly limited, but good enough at some things to create a misleading impression of greatness,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in 2022.
And when it comes to the features that you’ll be looking forward to on Monday, it’s anyone’s guess.
But Paolo said: “Voice fits in nicely with AI which opens up new ways of interaction.
“More personalized features and ways of empowering users to ensure their devices remain unique to them, stuff on the home screen to how they browse and search for things.”