The implementation of artificial intelligence on iPhones has long been rumoured but seems not far-fetched. Jeff Pu, a tech analyst who covers Apple’s supply chain for Hong Kong-based investment firm Haitong International Securities, believes generative AI could be rolled out on iPhones and iPads later in 2024.
AI Could Be Implemented on iPhone in 2024
Pu said in a research report last week that Apple is likely to start building a few hundred AI servers this year and will significantly deploy more in 2024.
The analyst added that Apple will offer cloud-based AI in addition to so-called “edge AI,” which performs data processing mostly on-device. And if the late 2024 timeline holds, that means the era of generative AI on iPhones will begin with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18.
The question of whether Apple will implement AI on its product is no longer a matter of “if” but “when,” given the company has previously demonstrated its interest in the technology.
In June, Apple opened new job listings, seeking machine learning engineers with a background or interest in conversational and generative AI to work with the company’s “most advanced technologies,” including augmented and virtual reality.
“AI represents a huge opportunity to elevate Apple’s products and experiences for billions of people globally. […] You will be leveraging innovative models to build applications on top of Apple’s most advanced technologies while developing your expertise in Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR),” the job listing reads.
Apple’s Siri Could Soon Receive AI Update
Apple’s digital assistance Siri is one of its products that could soon be fused with artificial intelligence. Months after Apple’s hiring announcement, The Information reported that the company is planning to implement large language models into Siri to let users automate complex tasks.
According to the report, the AI feature could be released as soon as iOS 18, which aligns with Jeff Pu’s analysis.
Meanwhile, Pu acknowledged that patience will be required with Apple’s rollout of generative AI as the company considers how to harness the potential of the technology in a way that aligns with its commitment to customer privacy.
“We’ve been working on generative AI for years and have done a lot of research. […] And we’re going to approach it really thoughtfully and think about it deeply because we’re fully aware of the not-good uses that it can have, and the issues around bias and hallucination and so forth,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook, said in an interview with Forbes.
