Apple has released a new “Hands-On with Apple Intelligence” video, showcasing the current features available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This move comes amid criticism over delayed AI functionalities and aims to highlight the tools users can access now.
Key Features Highlighted
- Genmoji: Users can create personalized emojis by typing descriptions or selecting people from photos. These Genmoji can be used in messages, tapbacks, stickers, and third-party apps.
- Image Playground: This tool allows users to generate custom images using text prompts, with styles like Animation and Sketch. It’s accessible through the Image Wand in the Apple Pencil palette on iPad, Mac, and iPhone.
- Photo Clean Up: Users can remove distracting objects from photos with a tap, brush, or circle. Apple Intelligence identifies background elements and removes them without altering the subject.
- Writing Tools: These tools help users proofread, rewrite, and adjust the tone of their text. They can also summarize lectures, group threads, and minimize distractions with prioritized notifications.
- Mail Summarize: This feature provides summaries of long emails, helping users quickly grasp the content without reading the entire message.
- Visual Intelligence: By using the camera, users can learn more about objects, places, and text around them. This feature leverages AI to provide information about the captured content.
Availability and Requirements
Apple Intelligence features are available on devices with A17 Pro or M1 chips and later, running iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, or macOS Sequoia 15.1. The features require Siri to be enabled and set to US English.
Privacy Considerations
Apple emphasizes privacy in its AI implementations. Many features operate on-device, ensuring personal data isn’t transmitted to servers. For complex tasks requiring cloud processing, Apple uses Private Cloud Compute, which sends only relevant data to servers without retaining it. This system is designed to be transparent and verifiable by experts.
Future Developments
While the current video focuses on available features, Apple plans to integrate more advanced AI functionalities, including enhanced Siri capabilities and support for third-party AI models like Google’s Gemini. These developments are expected to roll out later in 2025.
Apple’s latest video serves to inform users about the practical AI tools they can use today, amidst delays in more advanced features. By focusing on available functionalities, Apple aims to maintain user engagement and trust as it continues to develop and roll out its AI offerings.
