- A Bloomberg journalist speculated that Apple might unveil AI solutions at the event on June 10.
- Insiders report testing of artificial intelligence features in the Safari browser.
- The corporation is also developing its own AI chips for data centers.
For nearly a year, rumors have swirled about Apple’s launch of AI services, yet the company remains tight-lipped. Experts anticipate the first announcements at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10.
On May 7, Apple will hold a presentation. According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, new iPads and other updated gadgets will be showcased. The event will last only 35 minutes, making it unlikely for the company to introduce AI-based products.
In the same article, Gurman noted Apple’s quarterly report, which went “as smoothly as possible” for the company, despite a $4 billion profit decline.
During the press conference following the three-month period, analysts asked CEO Tim Cook about AI plans. He evasively replied that Apple aims to gain an advantage in the sector through privacy features, better integration, and powerful proprietary chips.
“Apple used WWDC 2023 to introduce Vision Pro, but this year the stakes are even higher. The company is expected to showcase an updated AI strategy at the event,” writes Gurman.
At the conference, the corporation will also unveil iOS 18 and new software versions for iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro, and Mac, the journalist added.
AI in Safari
According to AppleInsider sources, the company is already testing artificial intelligence features in its native browser. The software, expected to debut as Safari 18, is currently undergoing quality and compatibility assessments.
The updated browser version will include “intelligent search” features and AI-based content summarization tools.
According to test engineers, Apple’s Ajax language learning model is used to identify topics and key phrases.
Simultaneously, the company is working on a much more powerful visual search feature, slated for integration around 2025. This will allow users to obtain detailed information about objects in images and search for similar products online.
Those who have tested the tool claim it resembles Siri’s visual search, which the virtual assistant uses to identify plants, pets, and landmarks.
Previously, the corporation introduced an AI model for screen context recognition.
Proprietary Chips
On May 6, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources, that Apple is working on its own server AI chips.
The project, codenamed Project ACDC (Apple Chips in Data Center), leverages the company’s experience in creating infrastructure for its data centers. ACDC has been in development for several years, but the launch date remains unknown.
Apple’s chips are likely to be focused on running artificial intelligence models rather than training them.
In the development process, the company collaborates with Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing.
In late April, Apple resumed talks with OpenAI about using the startup’s technologies for some new AI features to be introduced in the iPhone.
In February, Cook revealed the corporation’s plans for using generative AI.