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Apple Intelligence has made its grand entrance, but the burning question remains: will this venture into AI truly revolutionize user interactions, or will it merely skim the surface of technological innovation?
On October 28, Apple boldly stepped into the AI realm with the launch of Apple Intelligence, a collection of new features aimed at enhancing the user experience on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
The latest release from Apple introduces a range of exciting tools. From improved writing aids to a revamped Siri capable of engaging in more natural conversations, and even a magical photo editing feature that allows users to effortlessly remove unwanted objects with a simple tap.
However, despite Apple’s reputation for seamless functionality, early adopters have encountered a few hiccups. A phased rollout, a waitlist for access, and some unintentionally humorous notification summaries have left users wanting more.
Let’s delve deeper into the functionalities of Apple Intelligence and explore what it means for everyday users.
What exactly is Apple Intelligence, and how can it truly benefit users?
Apple Intelligence brings a suite of AI tools designed to simplify tasks such as writing, managing notifications, and photo editing. Unlike its counterparts in the tech industry, Apple is taking a more personalized approach to this innovation.
At its core, Apple Intelligence offers features like Writing Tools to enhance messages, emails, and notes. Need a quick summary of a lengthy conversation thread or a last-minute proofread for an email? These tools are now available across various applications.
The feature even provides explanations for suggested edits, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to refine their writing skills or correct errors on the go.
However, unlike ChatGPT and other generative AI tools, Apple’s Writing Tools are not intended to generate entire paragraphs or brainstorm ideas with you. Instead, they function more like a friendly editor than a collaborative writer.
The new Siri update
Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri, has also received an upgrade. Siri can now better understand natural speech, allowing for more forgiving interactions if you stumble or rephrase your sentences.
Additionally, users now have the option to type out requests to Siri silently, making it convenient for quiet environments.
Nevertheless, early reviews suggest that Siri still has room for improvement in handling complex tasks, such as retrieving specific information online or offering recipe suggestions. While it’s a step in the right direction, Siri falls short of being the all-encompassing AI assistant that could replace Google searches or dedicated chatbots.
The magic of photo editing
One standout feature of Apple Intelligence is the Clean Up Tool in Photos. If an unwanted element appears in your photos, you can simply tap to remove it in seconds.
The AI automatically fills in the background, though some users have noticed occasional imperfections like blur marks or smudges that give away the editing process.
Despite these minor flaws, this built-in tool offers a convenient solution for users looking to make quick edits to their photos without relying on additional apps or software.
Prioritizing notifications and reducing interruptions
Apple Intelligence also introduces Priority Notifications and a Reduce Interruptions mode, designed to filter out unnecessary distractions in real-time. By leveraging AI to analyze notifications, these features aim to deliver only the most essential alerts to users.
For example, urgent work emails may be prioritized at the top of your inbox, while casual messages from friends could be condensed into summaries.
However, user reactions have been mixed, with some finding the summaries unintentionally humorous, such as a lighthearted interpretation of a breakup text.
In its initial release, Apple Intelligence does not aim to be the most advanced AI suite available. Instead, it focuses on simplifying everyday tasks while prioritizing user privacy.
Device compatibility and the waitlist experience
Apple Intelligence has arrived, but eager users may face a waiting period before gaining access. Only specific devices are compatible with the update, and not all features are immediately accessible.
Apple has opted for a gradual, region-specific rollout of Apple Intelligence, starting with the U.S. and select English-speaking regions. For users in other areas, full access may not be available until 2025, leading to frustration among many.
Only newer devices equipped with M1 chips or later can support Apple Intelligence, excluding several iPhone, iPad, and Mac models.
For iPhones, compatibility includes the iPhone 16 series and the iPhone 15 Pro series. On iPads, Apple Intelligence works with the iPad Pro (M1 and later) and the iPad Air (M1 and later). Mac users will need one of the specified models, such as MacBook Air (M1 and later) or Mac Studio (M1 Max and later), to access Apple Intelligence.
To join the waitlist and enable Apple Intelligence, users with compatible devices must install the latest OS update (iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1). Early adopters have reported varying wait times, ranging from a few minutes to several days. In certain regions, users must adjust their device language and region settings to U.S. English to sign up.
This strategic approach aligns with Apple’s past methods of gradually introducing features like iCloud and Apple Pay, ensuring security and stability before widespread release.
Apple’s unique AI strategy
While Apple Intelligence has made a strong initial impression, some of its most intriguing features are on the horizon.
Upcoming additions like Genmoji, enabling custom emoji creation, and Image Playground, allowing for illustrations from text prompts, are expected in the next OS update in December.
Apple also plans to introduce Visual Intelligence, a feature providing instant information about objects or locations through the camera.
In contrast to competitors like Samsung and Google, which favor rapid and extensive AI deployments, Apple’s measured approach appears more cautious. Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite supports multiple languages and is accessible on devices from 2022 onward, while Apple Intelligence is currently only available in select regions and a single language.
This deliberate rollout may give Apple Intelligence an air of exclusivity, reserved for newer devices and offering a controlled user experience.
The buzz and the criticism
The launch of Apple Intelligence has sparked frustration among early adopters, who are discovering that the reality falls short of the hype.
Apple has emphasized security by offering a substantial bounty of up to $1 million to anyone who can successfully breach its AI servers. This move acknowledges the vital role of white-hat hackers and security researchers in identifying vulnerabilities before they become public knowledge.
Despite commendations for security measures, the process of accessing Apple Intelligence has left many users feeling disappointed. The requirement to install the latest update and join a waitlist has been a common source of frustration, likened to navigating a “floating island of trash.”
Some users feel that the outcome does not live up to the anticipated “AI revolution,” describing the update as merely introducing “minor tweaks” rather than a transformative experience. Comparisons have even been drawn to the early challenges faced by Apple Maps.
Users have urged Apple to quickly improve the user experience to maintain customer trust and meet the high expectations of its dedicated community.
For users prioritizing privacy and simplicity over expansive AI capabilities, Apple’s cautious approach may be well-received. However, those seeking a robust AI experience out of the box may need to exercise patience with Apple’s gradual rollout approach.
