Apple is set to enhance privacy and security with in-house chips and data centres amid its AI shift. At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple revealed its AI strategy, which includes integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its devices, alongside its new ‘Apple Intelligence’ technology.
During the conference, Apple showcased improvements to Siri. The voice assistant will now interact with various apps, including messages, emails, and calendars. Siri will be able to respond to emails and write them in the user’s preferred tone.
ChatGPT integration will be part of the latest operating system, which Apple also launched at the event. Each year, WWDC serves as a platform for the company to unveil updates, products, and operating systems, and to introduce developers to new tools. With ChatGPT integrated into Siri, the assistant will handle more complex tasks and requests. However, this has raised privacy concerns. Siri will request user permission before accessing the AI chatbot.
Apple plans to integrate AI from other companies as well. Discussions with Google are underway for a potential agreement. Apple aims to use both on-device processing and cloud computing for its new AI features. Consequently, these features will only be available on upcoming iPhones and the iPhone 15 Pro. Despite Apple’s opposition to cloud processing of consumer data, it plans to use its own chips and data centres to ensure strong privacy. This move will also reduce reliance on Nvidia’s chips.
In addition to its AI strategy and ChatGPT integration, the company announced that iOS 18 will offer users more customization options for their iPhone home screens. A new ‘lock an app’ feature will allow users to protect sensitive information and data. Furthermore, Apple revealed plans to make its Vision Pro headset available in eight more countries, including China and Japan. The new VisionOS 2 software for the headset will use machine learning to create natural depth photos and will feature new gestures.
