What to Expect at Apple’s WWDC24: ‘Apple Intelligence’ Coming

Apple is set to showcase its vision for integrating artificial intelligence into its products at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Monday. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has now revealed more tidbits in his preview of the event, based on information from his solid sources.

“Apple Intelligence” will be revealed, an AI system that will enhance iPhone, iPad, and Mac software. Also, Apple will announce a partnership with OpenAI to power a ChatGPT-like chatbot and reveal new software for the Vision Pro, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.

The AI integration will be a significant part of the keynote, accounting for about half of the two-hour presentation, starting at 10am PDT/1pm EDT. Apple aims to weave AI into its apps to simplify daily tasks for users. Notably, these features will be opt-in and initially available in a beta version.

Devices will need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, or iPads and Macs with at least an M1 chip, to utilize these AI capabilities. Sorry to those who still own an iPhone 14 Pro (toss it into the garbage already).

Apple’s AI will use both on-device processing and cloud-based computing, determined by an algorithm based on task complexity. Despite traditionally avoiding cloud servers, Apple will highlight the security measures it has implemented, including chip-level security in its data centres. The company will ensure that user data remains private, with no profiles built from customer data.

A key AI feature will be summarization, enabling quick recaps of articles, meeting notes, messages, and notifications. The iPhone will also offer automatic email and text response suggestions. Siri will see improvements, allowing precise control over app features and actions, and eventually supporting third-party apps and multi-command requests.

Apple’s developer tool, Xcode, will gain AI enhancements similar to Microsoft’s GitHub Copilot, and the Mail app will introduce automated message categorization, like Gmail. The Photos app will include new AI-driven photo editing features, and Voice Memos will offer automatic transcription.

Beyond AI, Apple will introduce significant updates to its software. iOS 18, codenamed Crystal, will allow more customization of app icons and home screen layout. Control Center will get an updated interface, and the Settings app will see improvements in navigation and organization.

The Voice Memos app will also be able to transcribe recordings like what Google Pixel phones have had for years.

The Messages app will add new features, such as the ability to trigger effects with individual words and schedule messages. You’ll also be able to Tapback any message with an emoji.

A new Passwords app will debut (as Gurman first shared yesterday), offering an alternative to existing password management services (say goodbye to 1Password maybe?).

The Calculator app will finally be introduced to the iPad (only 14 years later wtf), and the Health app will see upgrades to support future Apple Watch features.

As for watchOS 11 (codenamed Moonstone), the new update will enhance Siri’s interface and introduce changes to key apps like Fitness.

Safari in macOS 15 (codenamed Glow) will get some updates, but an ad blocker is unlikely. New wallpaper packs will be available, referencing classic icons and slogans.

Apple’s Vision Pro will receive minor updates with visionOS 2, focusing on refining the user experience. Maybe we’ll finally hear confirmation that Vision Pro is coming to Canada, as rumoured.

While no new hardware announcements are expected at WWDC24, the event will set the stage for future device releases, including upgraded Apple Watches and new AirPods models later this year.