Apple WWDC 2024 conference – AI announcements and updates

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Apple WWDC 2024 Conference

Apple, during its annual developer event, WWDC 2023, once again presented its innovative approach to technology, including the increasingly advanced use of artificial intelligence. Although the main theme of the Apple conference was new features in systems such as iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and VisionOS, a key element was showing how Apple intends to use AI to improve the user experience of its products.

New Features in Apple Systems Utilizing Artificial Intelligence

During the first part of the Apple conference, the company focused on new functional features in its operating systems. Although artificial intelligence was not the central focus, many of the presented features use advanced AI algorithms. An example is the "Cleanup" function for removing unwanted elements from photos, which uses models for image segmentation and generative models. Thanks to these, removed elements can be intelligently filled in, making the photos look more natural.

Apple Intelligence — Personalized Artificial Intelligence

The final part of the conference was dedicated to Apple's new approach to artificial intelligence, which was named "Apple Intelligence."

The company presented a set of tools and features that will be available on various Apple devices, including "Writing Tools" and "Image Playground." These tools enable text editing and image generation using advanced AI models, aiming to facilitate and speed up users' work.

"Writing Tools" – New Tools from the Apple Conference

"Writing Tools" is a set of features available wherever text can be edited – from emails to documents in Pages to web applications. These functions allow for real-time editing, tone changes, shortening, or expanding of text. Importantly, they are integrated directly into the system, which eliminates the need to switch between applications.

"Image Playground"  – New Tools from the Apple Conference

"Image Playground," in turn, allows users to create images using generative AI models. Apple allows for the easy generation of illustrations that can be used in various contexts, from notes to professional presentations.

New Features in the Siri Assistant

Apple also announced significant improvements for its voice assistant, Siri, which has not enjoyed the best reputation so far. The company plans to introduce Large Language Models (LLM), which are expected to significantly improve Siri's ability to understand and process natural language.

Thanks to these changes, interactions with Siri are intended to be more natural, and the assistant will better understand the context we are in and remember previous conversations.

In one of the presented examples, Siri was able not only to check the flight arrival time but also to update information about delays and adjust dinner plans depending on the situation. This shows how Apple intends to integrate its services to make them more useful and personalized.

Data Security and Privacy

Apple has long emphasized the importance of security and privacy, which was also reflected in this year's conference. The company announced that most data processing will take place directly on users' devices, which aims to minimize the risk of information leakage. AI-based features will only be available on the latest Apple devices, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and MacBooks with M1 processors and newer.

Apple will also introduce "Private Compute," a secure cloud computing environment that will allow data to be processed anonymously and encrypted. Thanks to this, users will be able to use advanced AI functions without worrying about the privacy of their data.

Apple and Cooperation with OpenAI

During the conference, information also appeared that caused considerable controversy. Apple announced that in situations where Siri cannot cope with a given task, the user will be able to transfer it to ChatGPT, the language model created by OpenAI. This decision was met with criticism, especially from Elon Musk, who expressed concerns about the privacy of data processed by OpenAI. Apple, however, assured that user data will be protected and processed securely.

Apple Conference – Summary

WWDC 2023 showed that Apple does not intend to give up its role as an innovator in the field of technology. Although many of the presented functions are already available on the market through other tools, the way Apple integrates them into its operating systems may prove crucial to their success. Thanks to the deep integration of AI with the Apple ecosystem, users can expect a more personalized and intuitive experience.

Apple has a chance, similar to the introduction of the iPhone, to set a new standard in the technology industry, combining modern technologies with a unique user experience. The autumn releases of new Apple devices and systems may bring significant changes to the market, making them even more attractive to users.

FAQ:

1. What is Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence is a set of artificial intelligence-based functions and tools that are integrated into the Apple ecosystem, enabling the personalization and automation of user actions.

2. What changes will Apple introduce to Siri?

Siri will be equipped with Large Language Models (LLM), which will improve its ability to understand natural language and conversation context, making interactions with the assistant more natural and useful.

3. What is Private Compute?

Private Compute is Apple's secure cloud computing that processes user data anonymously and encrypted, while ensuring access to advanced AI functions.

Glossary:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) – the field of science dealing with the creation of systems capable of performing tasks requiring intelligence, such as speech recognition, natural language processing, or machine learning
• Generative Model – a type of AI model that generates new data (e.g., images, texts) based on training data
• LLM (Large Language Model) – an advanced language model that can process and generate texts based on large data sets
• UX (User Experience) – the user's overall impressions of using a product or service, including ease of use, intuitiveness, and satisfaction with use

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