Apple's advancements for AI autonomy
Hello Engineering Leaders and AI Enthusiasts!
Welcome to the 85th edition of The AI Edge newsletter. In this edition, we discuss how Apple is slowly but surely coming for the AI pie.
Here’s a quick rundown of Apple’s latest AI announcements (oldest to latest).
⌚️ Apple’s AI-powered health coach might soon be at your wrists
🏁 Apple enters the AI race with new features
🤖 Apple Trials a ChatGPT-like AI Chatbot
📊 Apple bets big on AI
⚔️ Apple gearing up for an AI showdown
Let’s go!
Apple’s AI-powered health coach might soon be at your wrists
Apple is reportedly developing an AI-powered health coaching service called Quartz, aimed at helping users improve their exercise, eating habits, and sleep quality. The service will use AI and data from the user's Apple Watch to create personalized coaching programs, with plans to introduce a monthly fee. The company is also working on emotion-tracking tools and plans to launch an iPad version of the iPhone Health app this year.
Why does this matter?
It’s only a matter of time before AI is deployed on IoT devices such as smartwatches. This confluence can definitely revolutionize our daily lives. AI can direct IoT devices to adapt and optimize settings based on external circumstances making them a lot more autonomous and helpful.
Apple enters the AI race with new features
Apple announced a host of updates at the WWDC 2023. Yet, the word “AI” was not used even once, despite today’s pervasive AI hype-filled atmosphere. The phrase “machine learning” was used a couple of times. (And AI is nothing but machine learning). However, here are a few announcements Apple made that use AI as the underlying technology.
Apple Vision Pro, a revolutionary spatial computer that seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world. It uses advanced ML techniques.
Upgraded Autocorrect in iOS 17 that is powered by a transformer language model for improved prediction capabilities.
Improved Dictation in iOS 17 that leverages a new speech recognition model to make it even more accurate.
Live Voicemail that turns voicemail audio into text on the fly, which is powered by a neural engine.
Personalized Volume, which uses ML to understand environmental conditions and listening preferences over time to automatically fine-tune the media experience.
Journal, a new app for users to reflect and practice gratitude, uses on-device ML for personalized suggestions to inspire entries.
Why does this matter?
To the average user, AI can be scary. Perhaps it was Apple’s deliberate choice not to mention the word “AI”? Nevertheless, these updates and features demonstrate that Apple is indeed utilizing AI technologies in various aspects of its products and services, joining the likes of Google and Microsoft.
Apple Trials a ChatGPT-like AI Chatbot
Apple is developing AI tools, including its own large language model called "Ajax" and an AI chatbot named "Apple GPT." They are gearing up for a major AI announcement next year as it tries to catch up with competitors like OpenAI and Google.
The company has multiple teams developing AI technology and addressing privacy concerns. While Apple has been integrating AI into its products for years, there is currently no clear strategy for releasing AI technology directly to consumers. However, executives are considering integrating AI tools into Siri to improve its functionality and keep up with advancements in AI.
Why does this matter?
Apple's development of AI tools, such as the language model "Ajax" and chatbot "Apple GPT," signals the company's efforts to catch up with competitors OpenAI and Google. The focus on addressing privacy concerns and the potential integration of AI into Siri shows Apple's aim to enhance its product functionality and stay competitive.
Apple bets big on AI
Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has stated that AI and ML are embedded in every company product. This comes after concerns were raised about Apple's lack of discussion on its AI plans while competitors have been actively incorporating the technology into their products. He also emphasized that AI is central to the design of Apple's products, contradicting suggestions that the company has not yet integrated the technology.
Cook reassured that Apple has invested in AI for years, and this year’s Research & Development spending has hit $22.61 billion. They are also hiring dozens of AI jobs in the US, France, and China, looking to fill roles that could help build Gen AI tools.
Why does this matter?
This move signifies the potential for enhanced personalization and contextual relevance in user interactions, leading to a more intuitive and tailored experience within the Apple ecosystem. The seamless integration of AI may also pave the way for groundbreaking applications in health, home automation, and more. Ultimately redefining how users interact with and benefit from Apple's ecosystem of products and services.
Apple gearing up for an AI showdown
Apple has reportedly ordered servers from Foxconn Industrial Internet, a division of its supplier Foxconn, for the testing and training of AI services. The servers are specifically for Apple's AI work, which has been a focus for the company for years. While Apple does not currently have a ChatGPT-like app for external use, it is believed that this division of Foxconn already supplies servers to ChatGPT OpenAI, Nvidia, and Amazon Web Services. The news comes amidst reports about Apple's plans to compete in the AI chatbot market.
Why does this matter?
Apple's this latest move to order servers from Foxconn's division for AI testing and training has caught attention. While Apple hasn't launched a ChatGPT-like app yet, the supplier's involvement with ChatGPT OpenAI, Nvidia, and Amazon Web Services hints at potential AI ventures. Apple seems like a potentially new big player in the AI game.
From avoiding the term ‘AI’ to sourcing specialized servers for AI training, you can sense something is brewing at Apple. It shouldn’t come off as much of a surprise if Apple announces a major AI launch.
We are excited to see what they might be holding up their sleeves. What do you think Apple’s AI plans are?
Let us know in the comments.
That's all for now!
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Thanks for reading, and see you tomorrow. 😊
Apple's quiet yet confident strides into the AI landscape are truly intriguing. The confluence of IoT and AI holds the potential to revolutionize our routines, making them more autonomous and adaptive. Looking forward to witnessing how Apple's journey in AI unfolds. Cheers.