Apple is about to launch a ChatGPT-powered version of Siri as part of a suite of AI features in iOS 18. Will this change the way you use your phone – and how does it affect your privacy?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is coming to your iPhone soon and, according to Apple, it’s going to transform the way you use your device. Launching under the brand name “Apple Intelligence” the iPhone maker’s AI tools include a turbocharged version of its voice assistant, Siri, backed by a partnership with ChatGPT owner OpenAI.
Apple isn’t the first smartphone maker to launch AI. The technology is already available on smartphones including Google’s latest Pixel and Samsung’s Galaxy range.
Yet the vast amounts of data needed by AI are leading to concerns about data privacy. Apple has built its reputation on privacy – its ad states “Privacy. That’s iPhone” – so this is an area where the firm claims it is different.What is Apple Intelligence and when will it be available?
Apple Intelligence is the catch-all name for the iPhone maker’s AI capabilities, including ChatGPT-4o integration coming with its iOS 18 software upgrade.
The first iteration of iOS 18 will debut alongside Apple’s iPhone 16 models in September, but the AI features are arriving later, in the iOS 18.1 update expected in mid- to late October.
The first iOS 18.1 Apple Intelligence features available in the beta version include new writing tools, suggested replies in the Messages app, email summarisation and phone call transcription.
Other features coming later this year or in early 2025 include Image Playground – the ability to create your own animated images within apps – and custom emoji, called Genmoji. Meanwhile, the much-anticipated AI enhancements to Apple’s chatbot Siri include ChatGPT integration, richer language understanding and deeper integration with individual apps. Siri will also be able to view your calendar, photos and messages to respond better to text – for example, you could ask when your mum’s flight is landing and Siri would figure it out based on recent messages and emails, according to Apple.
Apple Intelligence will be rolled out across the world, but the features will face a significant delay in the EU and China due to regulatory concerns.
AI requires powerful hardware, so the features will not be compatible with older devices. According to Apple, you will need the iPhone 15 or later, or an Apple device using the M1 or M2 chip to access the full range.How will using my iPhone change?
The features will roll out slowly, so the immediate change won’t be drastic.
