Apple begins testing AI software designed to bring a smarter Siri to the iPhone 16

Date:

Share post:


Apple is giving more people the chance to test a software update that will implant artificial intelligence into its virtual assistant Siri and automate a variety of tedious tasks on the latest iPhone coming out Friday.

The free update was made available Thursday to an audience that has signed up to test Apple’s software before it’s released to all iPhone owners next month. As of Thursday, only two premium iPhones that came out last year contain the souped-up processor required to power the AI features included in the update, but that will change Friday when four new iPhone 16 models reach store shelves.

All the iPhone 16 models, with starting prices ranging from $800 to $1,200, are equipped to handle the new technology, which the company is marketing as “Apple Intelligence.” That branding is part of an effort to distinguish the iPhone’s AI from similar technology already available in smartphones released earlier this year by Samsung and Google.

The AI features are being promoted as one of the main reasons to buy an iPhone 16, so releasing a test version of the software powering the technology now may prod more consumers to splurge on one of the new models as soon as possible

The AI technology is coming out in U.S. English only for now, but will expand into localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. in December. Apple plans to expand into other languages and countries next year. The testing of the AI software is beginning just a few days after Apple released its latest mobile operating system, iOS 18, to all its earlier iPhones.

Once the iOS 18.1 upgrade is installed, the often bumbling Siri is supposed to become more conversational, versatile and colorful, with a glowing light that will rotate around the iPhone’s screen as it responds to requests. While Apple is promising Siri will be able to perform more tasks and be less prone to becoming confused, it won’t be able to interact with other apps installed on the iPhone until another software update comes out at a still-unspecified date.

Other AI features in the software update will handle a variety of writing and proofreading tasks, summarize the content of emails and other documents. The AI also will provide a variety of editing tools to alter the appearance of photos and make it easier to find old pictures.

But the initial update doesn’t include other AI tricks still to come, such as the ability to create customized emojis on the fly or conjure other fanciful imagery upon request. Apple also plans to eventually enable its AI suite to get a helping hand from OpenAI’s ChatGPT when users want it.

Besides the new iPhone model, Apple’s AI features also will work last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max because they have the special computer chip that’s required. The update will also bring the ability to record spatial video on those two iPhone 15 models that can be watched on Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro headset.

But the AI won’t work on hundreds of millions of other iPhones that are still in use, a drawback that investors are betting will juice Apple’s recently slumping sales of the ubiquitous device.

That expectation is the main reason that Apple’s stock price has climbed by more than 15% since the company previewed its AI strategy in June, creating $500 billion in shareholder wealth. Some analysts believe the demand for new iPhones could propel Apple’s market value above $4 trillion for the first time within the next year.



Source link

Lisa Holden
Lisa Holden
Lisa Holden is a news writer for LinkDaddy News. She writes health, sport, tech, and more. Some of her favorite topics include the latest trends in fitness and wellness, the best ways to use technology to improve your life, and the latest developments in medical research.

Recent posts

Related articles

California farmers enjoy pistachio boom, with much of it headed to China

LOST HILLS, Calif. -- In a sprawling plant in the heart of California's farmland, millions of shells...

Trump has vowed to kill US offshore wind projects. Will he succeed?

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- Opponents of offshore wind energy projects expect President-elect Donald Trump to kill an...

Russia hosts African ministers to expand ties

In this photo released by Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service, Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdoulaye Diop,...

Azerbaijan is the host of the UN's climate conference, shining a spotlight on the petrostate

The spotlight is on Azerbaijan as the small petrostate in the South Caucasus hosts the U.N.’s biggest...

Trump's win brings uncertainty to borrowers hoping for student loan forgiveness

Savannah Britt owes about $27,000 on loans she took out to attend college at Rutgers University, a...

Lawsuit filed over measure approved by Arkansas voters that revoked planned casino's license

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Cherokee Nation Entertainment on Friday filed a lawsuit challenging a constitutional amendment Arkansas...

Money in NCAA sports has changed life for a few. For many athletes, college degree remains the prize

PHOENIX -- Sponsorship deals were far from Jonny Bottorff's mind when he transferred to Northern Arizona University...

Arizona regulators fine natural gas utility $2 million over defective piping

PHOENIX -- A natural gas utility with more than 2 million customers in Arizona, Nevada and parts...