Apple’s Big AI Push: Key Highlights from WWDC 2024

At the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple introduced a range of AI-enhanced features and software updates across its devices, signaling a strong move to revitalize sales and stay competitive with industry giants like Microsoft and Alphabet.

AI Functionality

• Apple launched “Apple Intelligence,” integrating generative AI-powered features within native applications for iPhones, Macs, and iPads.
• Siri: Now enhanced to retrieve information from messages, emails, calendars, and photos, as well as third-party apps. Users can interact with Siri via text.
• ChatGPT Integration: Apple is incorporating ChatGPT technology to enhance image and document understanding and improve text message composition and editing.
• Most AI processes will run on-device, while complex tasks will use Apple’s Private Cloud Compute, utilizing its server chips for AI features across all devices.
• Apple Intelligence will be available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPad, and Mac with M1 and later.

• New customization options for app and widget arrangement, lock screen, and control center, with media playback controls.

• Introduced iPhone Mirroring, allowing the iPhone screen to be viewed and interacted with on Mac computers.

• Added a calculator app with Math Notes, allowing users to solve handwritten mathematical expressions instantly.
• Smart Script features enhance the legibility of handwritten notes.

• Introduced the Vitals app for displaying key health metrics and a training mode to show workout impacts.

• Improved gesture controls and added spatial photos.

Application Updates

Messages

• Can now be sent via satellite when cellular and Wi-Fi connections are unavailable.

Mail

• Automatic sorting of emails into personal, marketing, and transactional categories.

Safari

• New Highlight feature surfaces key webpage information, such as restaurant locations or artist tracks.

Notes and Phone Apps

• Added audio recording, transcription, and summarization features.

Photos

• Improved search capabilities and the ability to find specific moments in video clips.

Additional Features

RCS Support

• Confirmed for iOS 18, enhancing text messaging capabilities.

Apple TV Plus

• New inSights feature displays actors and their characters on screen and integrates music track information into Apple Music playlists.

Passwords App

• New app to generate and store passwords across devices, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, and Windows.

AirPods Pro Update

• Introduced Siri Interactions, allowing head gestures to respond to Siri, and Voice Isolation to improve voice quality and reduce background noise.

Apple’s WWDC 2024 showcased a substantial leap in AI integration, offering enhanced functionality, customization, and user experience across its devices, reaffirming its commitment to innovation and user-centric design.