Tim Cook Discusses Apple Intelligence and AI Future in Interview

In an interview with Washington Post Opinions columnist Josh Tyrangiel, Apple CEO Tim Cook discussed the newly unveiled Apple Intelligence and the company’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI). The interview took place yesterday at Apple Park in Cupertino, shortly after the WWDC Keynote.

Cook emphasized the immediate benefits of AI for Apple customers. “I think they’re going to save time. Things are going to become more efficient,” he said. Highlighting improvements to Siri, Cook mentioned that users can now have more complex interactions with the virtual assistant, streamlining tasks that previously required multiple requests.

“Privacy is a fundamental human right,” said Cook, when it comes to AI and privacy. Apple has focused on ensuring AI technology remains private and secure for users. “People want to know in some kind of way that [AI] is personal to them, but also private,” he added.

When asked about the naming of Apple Intelligence, Cook explained, “It seemed sort of a logical conclusion after looking at so many names. At least for me, I can tell you it wasn’t a riff off of artificial intelligence. It was sort of calling it what it is.”

Cook expressed confidence in the quality of Apple Intelligence, stating, “I think we have done everything that we know to do, including thinking very deeply about the readiness of the technology in the areas that we’re using it in.”

Regarding AI’s impact on journalism, Cook suggested that licensing content to large language models could be beneficial. He noted, “Journalism is a challenging industry, and so the idea that you can monetize it in another way I think is positive.”

In the final question about working with AI and if it gives Cook joy or not? He replied, “I get excited about helping people do things faster, better, higher quality. Anything that improves human existence. And I think AI can do that, again, subject to keeping the rails on it appropriately. So I’m a fan. I don’t have my head stuck in the sand. I know that there’s also a parade of horribles that can occur, which is why we’re committed to being thoughtful in the space.”

In order to use Apple Intelligence, you’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro series smartphone or newer, or an iPad or Mac with an M1 chip or newer. In other words, only the newest Apple devices will support all the latest and greatest Apple Intelligence features.