Apple Intelligence is a new artificial intelligence feature from Apple Inc., announced at WWDC 2024 for integration into their upcoming operating systems: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. This AI utilizes both device and server processing for its functions and will be offered free to users with compatible devices. Initially launched for developers in English on July 29, 2024, a partial release is slated for October 2024, with a full launch expected in 2025. Support for various languages beyond English will be rolled out gradually through 2025.
Apple introduced its first AI feature, Siri, with the release of the iPhone 4S in 2011.
In 2015, Apple began to expand its AI team, marking a shift towards more open AI development.
From 2016 onwards, Apple reportedly ramped up its acquisition of AI companies, indicating a strategic move to bolster its AI capabilities.
Apple released the iPhone 8 and iPhone X in 2017, both equipped with the A11 Bionic processor. This processor featured Apple's first dedicated Neural Engine designed to accelerate machine learning tasks.
Apple continued its streak of acquiring AI companies through 2020, further demonstrating its commitment to advancing its AI technologies.
The release of ChatGPT in late 2022, coupled with the rapid progress in generative AI, reportedly prompted Apple to prioritize its AI efforts.
Reports surfaced in July 2023 that Apple was developing its own large language model, internally codenamed "Ajax", signaling a response to the rapidly developing generative AI field.
By October 2023, reports suggested that Apple was on track to integrate generative AI features, including a significantly redeveloped Siri, into its operating systems by 2024.
During an earnings call in February 2024, Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized the company's significant investment in AI features, indicating plans to share these advancements later that year.
On June 10, 2024, Apple announced Apple Intelligence as a built-in feature for its upcoming operating systems: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. The announcement took place at WWDC 2024.
On July 29, 2024, Apple Intelligence was released to developers and testers as part of the iOS 18.1, macOS 15.1, and iPadOS 18.1 developer betas. This initial release supported U.S. English.
Apple Intelligence saw a partial launch in October 2024, indicating a staggered release approach.
Apple Intelligence is set to fully launch in 2025. Throughout the year, support for various languages, including Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese, will be added. Additionally, localized versions of English for UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Singapore will be included.