Recently, I experienced a noteworthy benefit from Apple Intelligence, achieving about 70% satisfaction. I’m working on another article using an M4 iPad Pro paired with a Magic Keyboard. I highlighted the first paragraph, activated Writing Tools, and chose the Proofread option.
This is how the proofread version appeared:
The feature functioned as anticipated. However, the issue is that Writing Tools does not highlight modifications, and the user interface obscured my original text. As a workaround, I chose Replace, used Command + Z to undo the typing, and then Command + Shift + Z to redo it.
By toggling between versions a few times, I was able to observe the changes. Apple Intelligence fixed a typo (correcting “I’m” instead of “I” prior to “regularly”) that I had overlooked. I’d give it an A+ for utility, but only a D- for execution.
Show Your Work, Apple Intelligence
The need for Writing Tools to highlight changes is so critical that I’m certain Apple is already planning to showcase this feature at WWDC in two months. If not, I’ll make a case for its necessity.
Beyond that, Writing Tools is a highly refined and feature-rich component of Apple Intelligence.
I would consider using the text rewriting functions of Writing Tools if it allowed for a diff view to identify changes or let me choose which elements to alter and which to retain. Still, expecting a proper diff view may be asking too much from a feature designed for simplicity.
Nevertheless, relying on it for proofreading and text corrections without visibility into what has changed? That requires a level of trust that I have yet to establish with Apple Intelligence.
ChatGPT for Proofreading
The proofreading tool I frequently utilize is ChatGPT. I’ve set up a text replacement shortcut for my prompt. Typing “;edit” automatically inserts “List any grammar, spelling, or punctuation mistakes in bullet points, please:” into the prompt field, then I paste my article’s copied text and execute the prompt.
Requesting a proofreading check from ChatGPT without specifying a bullet list in the prompt generally works similarly to Writing Tools. ChatGPT generates a revised version of the text with what it believes are the necessary corrections. The downside is that its suggestions can sometimes be incorrect, occasionally due to nuances that machines might not grasp.
What’s advantageous about Writing Tools is that Apple has crafted an interface that clearly presents its functionalities to users. In contrast, ChatGPT provides an open-ended text box that requires you to formulate your own prompts. The latter is more versatile and capable, while the former prioritizes user-friendliness, albeit at the expense of relying on Apple for enhancements.
