Apple falling behind in AI game, Tim Cook uses big talk to catch up

Apple has introduced its own AI known as Apple Intelligence, which was announced at WWDC 2024, to be integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. However, Apple’s latest AI announcement has not managed to impress iPhone users.

There’s a discussion going on tech blogs, particularly highlighted by some Apple employees and industry analysts, that Apple’s AI technology, specifically the generative aspects of Apple Intelligence, might be lagging. These reports suggest that Apple’s AI plans could be more than two years behind competitors like OpenAI’s ChatGPT in terms of performance accuracy and capability.

Despite criticisms about Apple’s lagging in AI technology, Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook has addressed (via WSJ) Apple’s approach to AI development in four words: “Not first, but best.” He believes that while Apple might not be the first to introduce these AI features, its focus is on how these technologies can best serve the user, making the experience “profoundly different.”

According to the official information, Apple has released the release candidate (RC) versions of iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 to developers. This update will roll out the initial set of Apple Intelligence features. You’ll see these features on the iPhone 15 Pro and any models that come after, like the iPhone 16 series. Apple has also released RCs for other operating systems like iPadOS 18.1, macOS Sequoia 15.1, watchOS 11.1, tvOS 18.1, and visionOS 2.1.

As per reports, Apple has also confirmed iOS 18.1, along with its new AI features, will be released to the public next week from the date of the RC release.

Why so much criticism?

Samsung and Google have done great work in deploying generative AI features across their devices, including older Galaxy and Pixel devices.

Samsung Galaxy S24 series includes features such as real-time translation and generative photo editing, powered by Google’s advanced AI technologies, Gemini Pro and Imagen 2. These features are exclusively available on the latest models and will be free until the end of 2025.

Google has also utilized its Tensor chips in Pixel devices to enhance AI functionalities and has now extended similar generative AI features through collaboration with Samsung.

The company also released compatible AI features to older Galaxy smartphones, the most recently released One UI 6.1.1 update brings AI features to millions of Galaxy smartphones all around the world. Samsung’s move to bring these features to even older models through software updates indicates a broader integration strategy.

Samsung’s Circle to Search feature is really useful for quick results, believe me, it is very useful and accurate, thanks to Google‘s image search algorithm.

In short, Samsung and Google have pushed generative AI into the market more aggressively in terms of feature rollout and device accessibility. The smartphone AI race is still very much alive, with each competitor trying unique aspects of their AI approaches.