Announced with great enthusiasm last June, Apple Intelligence is now accessible through iOS 18.1 and 18.2. However, some early reports suggest it isn’t making a significant impact. Here’s why that hardly comes as a shock, and it’s definitely not the final assessment.
Initial impact of Apple Intelligence is lackluster
A recent study indicates that many iPhone users feel that Apple Intelligence contributes ‘minimal to no enhancement’ to their smartphone experience.
It’s worth noting that this survey occurred prior to the introduction of new AI features in iOS 18.2.
Even so, I’m not surprised. Why, you might ask?
Because Apple Intelligence was intentionally designed to implement gradual, cumulative changes over time.
New major product versus incremental product enhancement
When considering AI developments from various companies, you likely think of standalone AI products.
Examples include chatbots such as ChatGPT and Gemini, or AI-assisted smart glasses and pins.
Most tech companies are pursuing the goal of creating a ‘major new product’ using AI. This wasn’t Apple’s approach, nor was it their intention.
With Apple Intelligence, the focus is on integrating AI into existing products as simple enhancements. It’s more accurately described as an ‘incremental product enhancer.’
Examples include:
- While Apple’s Photos app already featured several editing tools, it now includes Clean Up. Its search functionality has also improved with AI integration.
- Messages previously included emojis, but now users can also create custom Genmoji.
- Apple’s native keyboards had spellcheck and autocorrect, but AI writing tools have been introduced as well.
- Notifications play a crucial role in device usage, and they’ve become noticeably better due to improved summaries.
Individually, none of these updates are revolutionary. However, their cumulative impact will be felt over time.
Apple Intelligence will transform your device usage, whether you realize it or not
Given that Apple Intelligence is integrated into existing applications and features, its influence on how we interact with our devices is unavoidable.
There isn’t a singular feature that dramatically alters the landscape.
However, a multitude of minor enhancements, with many more to come, will gradually refine and improve our devices for the foreseeable future.
Interestingly, as time goes on, we might not even distinguish between what’s powered by AI and what isn’t. We’ll simply utilize various features on our iPhone, iPad, or Mac and reap the benefits.
Though we are still in the early stages of Apple Intelligence, its forthcoming influence will be undeniable, as it becomes increasingly intertwined with the essential operations of our daily devices.
What are your thoughts on the current or future effects of Apple Intelligence? Share in the comments.
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