3 hours ago - Technology
Apple debuts software updates amid Siri overhaul
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Tim Cook greets the crowd at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference. Photo: Ina Fried
Apple on Monday previewed the next versions of its software for phones and computers, including a revamped Siri voice assistant and other new AI features.
Why it matters: Apple has fallen behind in AI after several delays in its effort to give Siri a generative AI makeover.
- The company announced a compelling vision for Apple Intelligence two years ago, with the improved Siri at the center, but has struggled to deliver.
- It has since struck a deal with Google to use its Gemini models to help power the effort.
Driving the news: Here's what Apple has announced so far:
Apple Intelligence
- Apple said it has gone further, more deeply integrating Apple Intelligence within apps, including messages and the Safari browser.
- In one demo, Apple showed the ability to automatically update compromised or weak passwords. An update to Shortcuts, meanwhile, allows people to create an automated action just by describing it.
- Apple's initial demos largely mapped the approach it outlined two years ago, with Siri able to draw information from personal e-mails or photos.
Siri AI
- "Siri AI" is Apple's long-anticipated revamp to the voice assistant for iOS, Mac and Apple Watch, including a new dedicated app and more powerful models.
- The company says Siri AI delivers a more personal experience, while protecting individual privacy.
- "Truly helpful AI must be centered around you and your needs," Senior VP Craig Federighi said. "We believe privacy is non-negotiable."
- Apple contrasted its approach to rival products that offer privacy by making its users avoid certain features, use temporary chats or delete conversations to maintain their privacy, putting the onus on the user.
- Developers will have access to Siri AI immediately, with a consumer beta version coming "later this year." However, Apple said the new Siri won't initially be available in the EU or China while the company works with regulators.
Image Playground
- Apple updated its Image Playground, which had been limited to a few preset styles. Now those AI-generated image tools are more customizable and include the ability to create photorealistic images.
- A new "reframe" option lets people change the angle and composition of photos after they are taken, using generative AI to fill in only the parts of the photo that need to change.
- Apple isn't charging for the new AI features, but said there will be daily limits because of the heavy server usage.
Trust and Safety
- Apple promised its software will give parents more control over how kids use their devices, allowing parents to approve each new website their child visits and converting an existing account to a child account if they want to add protections.
- A "time allowances" feature allows parents to decide how much screen time their kids can spend in different categories like entertainment, games or social media.
- Apple is also extending the feature that blurs potential nudity to also blur messages that contain gore (or violent imagery).
- "Parents are in the best position to decide what's best for their family," Apple VP of health Sumbul Ahmad Desai said.
MacOS
- Apple says the "Golden Gate" update to its computer OS will allow apps to open and run faster.
