At this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple is set to unveil its latest advancements in AI, fulfilling Tim Cook’s promise of integrating more AI features into their products. As AI continues to dominate the tech landscape, Apple is expected to reveal how it plans to stay competitive with industry giants like Google and Microsoft.
Apple, a pioneer in digital assistance with Siri’s launch in 2011, is now aiming to redefine the space. Despite Siri falling behind competitors like Amazon’s Alexa, the rise of AI presents Apple with a new opportunity to develop a powerful, multifunctional assistant. Rumors suggest that the foundations of this new AI-driven assistant will be laid out at WWDC 2024.
In addition to the AI announcements, WWDC will also showcase the latest updates to Apple’s operating systems, including new versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and more. Expected highlights include app updates, new customization features for iOS, and the first significant software update for the Vision Pro, which was introduced at last year’s event.
WWDC begins at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT. You can watch the livestream and follow our live blog for real-time updates from Apple Park.
Introducing Apple Intelligence
Apple has ushered in a new era with Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features set to enhance various Apple devices later this year. At WWDC 2024, Apple showcased tools for writing assistance, image editing, and organization under this new branding.
Initially, Apple Intelligence will be available on a limited range of devices: the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and any Mac or iPad equipped with Apple’s M series chips. Older devices will not support these features.
Highlighted features include writing suggestions in Mail, where users can receive tone and formatting recommendations. Image editing tools will allow users to create custom emojis and use the Image Playground to generate graphics from prompts. Additionally, a new Magic Eraser-like tool can remove background objects from photos, and the system can compile photos and videos into stories based on user prompts.
Most Apple Intelligence tasks will be performed on the device, though some may use secure Apple services. Apple emphasizes that it will not store or access any data related to these activities.
Key Announcements from WWDC 2024
While Apple Intelligence was a major highlight, several other significant updates were announced:
- iOS 18: Enhanced home screen and control center customization, app locking with Face ID, and improvements to Messages, Mail, Maps, and a redesigned Photos app.
- iPadOS 18: Includes all iOS 18 features, plus a dedicated calculator app and a floating toolbar for multiple built-in apps.
- macOS Sequoia (macOS 15): New Continuity features for iPhone access from Macs and Safari upgrades, including page summaries.
- watchOS 11: New fitness features like Training Load, rest day tracking without losing streaks, a Vitals app for health metrics, and improved smart stacks and Photos watch faces.
- visionOS 2: New capabilities for turning 2D photos into spatial photos, support for new gestures, and expansion of the Vision Pro headset to additional countries.
- tvOS 18: Introduction of InSight, providing actor information during shows, automatic subtitles, and enhanced dialogue audio.
Stay tuned for more updates from WWDC 2024 as Apple continues to innovate and push the boundaries of technology.
