Apple Is Actually Talking About AI Now — a Lot
New CEO John Ternus says you already have your personal AI device. It’s called an iPhone.
During Apple's September "Surprise and Shine" event in Cupertino, California, the company unveiled a significant AI strategy, specifically focusing on "artificial intelligence." CEO John Ternus emphasized Apple's commitment to this direction, stating, "As we look ahead, we see a future filled with enormous discovery and transformation."
The iPhone was highlighted as the central product for this AI universe, being described as an "intelligent personal hub" that combines advanced AI capabilities with an understanding of individual context.
Apple's AI system will leverage personal data such as calendars, contacts, routines, messages, and app activity to provide more relevant assistance throughout the day. All processing occurs on-device to ensure privacy, with Private Cloud Compute used only when additional power is required. The new iPhone 18 Pro, specifically designed to maximize Apple Intelligence capabilities, boasts the latest Apple Foundation Models and enhanced Siri AI.
Siri AI capabilities have seen a significant upgrade, now combining personal context awareness, on-screen and in-app actions, and a dedicated Siri app. It can cross-reference, take action, and synthesize information across 300,000 native and third-party apps, enabling tasks like creating summaries from emails and texts or asking visual questions using the camera.
The iPhone 18 Pro line also features a new dedicated Siri app, offering customization options such as Expressive Voices, allowing users to adjust Siri's voice pacing and expressivity.
Beyond the iPhone, Apple Intelligence extends to other hardware like the new AirPods 5, offering hands-free access to Siri with active noise cancellation and Live Translation. The latest Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 include Audio Intelligence, which recaps conversations and provides AI health features to analyze health metrics.
Apple Intelligence will initially launch in 16 languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Chinese, with no availability in China. Siri AI beta in English is set to launch in October, followed by additional languages in October.
Written by urgent.news from CNET's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
