Apple Unveils AI Preview with ChatGPT Integration and Image Creation

Apple has unveiled a beta version of Apple Intelligence features that includes image creation and ChatGPT integration. Apple AI preview features will only be available on the latest devices. Investors are hoping that these features will stimulate iPhone upgrades.

CNBC reported that the latest features are included in the beta version of iOS 18.2 for developers that was unveiled on October 23, 2024.

First High-Profile Release

The beta version is the first set of high-profile features that Apple has released since it unveiled Apple Intelligence in June 2024 at its developer conference.

Developers and early adopters have been accessing the preview version of Apple Intelligence. However, the tech giant says the official public launch of Apple AI will be part of the iOS 18.1 update release scheduled for next week.

Apple’s AI preview offers users an early build of AI features that Apple unveiled earlier this year. These include Image Playground, Genmoji, Visual Intelligence with Camera Control, and ChatGPT integration. With Image Playground and Genmoji, users can generate images on their devices and share with their friends through messages.

Deep ChatGPT Integration

Although the beta version comes with a range of features, it is the deep Apple ChatGPT integration that most people were anticipating. The tech company announced ChatGPT integration during the Apple WorldWide Developers Conference (WWDC) back in June 2024. While Apple AI and Siri rely heavily on Apple chips inside its devices, the tech giant said it will leverage OpenAI’s chatbot to respond to sophisticated queries or problems.

In the beta version, Siri can prompt users to use ChatGPT when they ask complex questions. Users have the option to accept the prompt or deny. Accepted queries are processed through generative AI and responses displayed on the device. Apple says all users will have access to ChatGPT on Apple devices and those with paid ChatGPT subscriptions can link their accounts to Apple devices.

Apple has also integrated ChatGPT in other features, including Image Generation, Visual Intelligence, and Writing. With Visual Intelligence, iPhone cameras can identify text or objects and translate signs in real-time.

However, Siri cannot take actions inside apps yet in the beta version. The feature is not included in the latest update, but Apple expects to launch it soon. The tech giant announced an iOS 18 AI revamp to make Siri smarter in May 2024.

Expanding Device Compatibility

The first wave of Apple AI may seem underwhelming. However, Apple still has an advantage over other companies in the AI race. For instance, the big tech can roll out Apple AI features to a wide range of Apple devices. When the company unveiled Apple Intelligence in June 2024, the software was compatible with only two iPhone models, Macs, and a few iPads.

The company has also expanded Apple Intelligence compatibility to all iPads, including iPad mini, Macs and the newest iPhone 16 models. Apple is expected to unveil M4-Macs soon. The new Macs support Apple AI and will come with processors that speedup AI tasks.

Integration of Apple AI into the latest versions of iPadOS, iOS, and MacOS gives the big tech an advantage over rivals like Samsung and Google. Although these companies had a head start in AI rollout, their software, hardware, and services are not seamlessly integrated like Apple’s.

Investor Appeal

As the world’s most valuable company, Apple has so far managed to convince investors of its competitiveness in the AI race. However, the company is yet to prove that it can attain real expertise in AI. Experts suggest that the tech giant continues to lag behind its competitors. The real test of Apple’s expertise will come when the company fully rolls out Apple Intelligence features