WWDC 2024 Preview: Siri To Get Smart as Apple Readies On-Device AI Experiences
This time next week, Apple will hold its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Apple is catching up with Microsoft and Google in AI, but the advantage the company has had with its wait-and-watch strategy is to learn from the duo’s mistakes regarding AI integration. Here’s what to expect from WWDC 2024.
- This time next week, Apple will hold its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
- The summer conference is an annual call for developers to start building on Apple’s latest software and hardware before it rolls out to the public in the fall.
- However, the focus this year seems to be on software.
It is almost time for Apple developers to test the company’s new software. At the WWDC 2024, Apple should announce the next iterations of almost all its operating systems, precisely consistent with its annual schedule.
Apple WWDC is one of the three major events the iPhone maker holds to introduce its latest products and services. While Apple’s spring and fall events primarily focus on new gadgets, WWDC is reserved for developers contributing to the Apple ecosystem.
Apple is not expected to introduce new consumer hardware at WWDC 2024, considering it launched the 7th generation iPad Pro, 6th generation iPad Air, and some accessories at the Let Loose spring event last month. iPhones, which command a market share of 28.58% worldwide and 60.77% in the U.S., should have a separate event in September.
While WWDC 2023 saw the introduction of the Mac Studio and Mac Pro alongside the M2 Ultra chip, making it an exception, it is unlikely that the company will follow suit this time around.
So, what is Apple expected to reveal at WWDC 2024?
What To Expect From WWDC 2024
1. Apple’s artificial intelligence strategy
In October 2023, Google launched generative AI capabilities in its Pixel 8 series based on its Gemini large language models (LLM).
In January 2024, Samsung introduced Galaxy AI’s on-device and cloud-based generative AI capabilities into the Galaxy S24 smartphone lineup.
Microsoft, Apple’s competitor in personal and enterprise computing hardware and desktop operating systems, is rapidly becoming an AI juggernaut thanks to its 49% stake in OpenAI.
Redmond has successfully one-upped its Cupertino rival by integrating AI across its product and service portfolio. Google, which competes with Apple in smartphones, seems to have adopted a similar approach, i.e., loading products with AI regardless of whether they are necessary to users. That’s one of the banes of being a tech market leader.
It can be argued that Apple is catching up with Microsoft and Google, but the advantage the company has had with its wait-and-watch strategy is to learn from the duo’s mistakes regarding AI integration.
We know Apple introduced a set of eight models, Open-source Efficient Language Models (OpenELM), that run locally on Apple devices. The company was also in talks with OpenAI. Apple’s AI approach should become clear next week.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says AI will be a big part of WWDC 2024. This includes voice memo transcriptions, meetings, text messages, emails, article summaries, and AI-based emojis. Gurman also said Apple could integrate AI in Photos, Messages, Notes, and Safari.
Siri, the company’s virtual assistant, which was once the frontrunner in voice-based interactions, is also set to get a generative AI upgrade with Apple’s in-house LLM. The upgrade should enable Siri to become more intelligent, at par with peers such as Google Assistant and Alexa. That’s the first step. Whether or not it will be multimodal remains to be seen.
Gurman added that a generative-AI-fused Siri will not be available until next year. Still, the event should highlight the depth of Apple’s AI strategy for developers, users, and shareholders.
See More: Apple 2024 Spring Event: It Is Indeed All About the iPad
2. Operating systems
iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates:
- New interface for the Settings app
- Rich Communication Services in Messages
- New music widget in the Control Center
- New interface for Photos
- Possible ChatGPT integration
Apple was also in talks with OpenAI to integrate its LLMs with iOS 18. Gurman added that iOS 18 is considered the biggest iOS update in history.
macOS 15 is expected to have updates similar to iOS 18, alongside generative AI upgrades. Meanwhile, Apple’s Vision Pro headset will receive the first upgrade, visionOS 2.0, the operating system underlying its spatial computing device. Further, watchOS 11 should feature a new Siri interface and a revamped Fitness app.
When and Where Is Apple WWDC 2024
WWDC 2024 will be held at the company’s headquarters in Apple Park, Cupertino, California. The WWDC keynote, where a bulk of announcements will be made, is scheduled to start at 10 AM PT (1 PM ET) on June 10, 2024, although the developer conference runs through June 14.
Watch the WWDC 2024 keynote on the company’s website (www.apple.com), Apple’s YouTube channel, the Apple Developer app, or the Apple TV app.
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