At its WWDC event in June, Apple introduced its new AI features, yet many suggest that the company still has a long way to go to catch up with its competitors in this domain. Given that tech giants like Google and Samsung integrated AI capabilities into their devices earlier, it is estimated that Apple lags behind by about two years. To bridge this gap, some speculate that Apple might need to rely on third-party AI solutions like ChatGPT.
Delayed Steps in AI Development
Although Apple has made progress in its AI endeavors, it has not yet released these features widely to users. The upcoming iOS 18.1 update, set for release soon, will not include all the AI capabilities showcased at WWDC. Instead, Apple plans a phased rollout, gradually introducing AI features to its users. For example, the integration of ChatGPT into Siri is expected to be completed by the end of the year, marking a significant effort by Apple to strengthen its position in this competitive area.
Internal Perspectives on the Situation
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, some Apple employees believe the company is trailing behind in the AI race. Internal research indicates that ChatGPT is 25% more accurate and 30% better at answering questions compared to Siri. This further reinforces the notion that Apple is playing catch-up in AI. The fact that companies like Google and Microsoft took earlier strides in AI makes this time gap even more evident, as even a few months’ difference in AI advancements can yield significant outcomes.
Is Apple Intelligence the Path to Recovery?
Gurman suggests that Apple is taking steady steps in AI development and has formulated a strategy under the brand name Apple Intelligence to close this gap. The company aims to integrate Apple Intelligence features into all of its screen-based devices within the next two years. For instance, the recently launched iPad mini 7, equipped with 8 GB of RAM and the A17 Pro chip, is seen as a part of this strategy. Additionally, the entry-level iPad model is expected to be updated with similar AI capabilities in 2025.