WWDC Keynote Highlights: A Shift in Focus
Last year, Apple’s WWDC keynote emphasized the company’s significant advancements in AI. However, this year’s event saw a toned-down approach, with a greater focus on updates to operating systems, services, and software. Apple introduced a new design aesthetic, dubbed "Liquid Glass," alongside a revised naming convention.
Despite this shift, Apple still made several AI-related announcements to cater to the crowd’s expectations. These included an image analysis tool, a workout coach, a live translation feature, and more.
Visual Intelligence
Apple’s AI-powered image analysis technology, Visual Intelligence, enables users to gather information about their surroundings. For instance, it can identify plants, provide details about restaurants, or recognize clothing items.
[Image Credits: Apple]The feature will now interact with on-screen information, allowing users to conduct image searches related to their browsing content. This search functionality utilizes Google Search, ChatGPT, and similar apps. Visual Intelligence can be accessed via the Control Center or by customizing the Action button, and it will be available with the launch of iOS 26 later this year. Read more.
ChatGPT Integration with Image Playground
Apple has integrated ChatGPT into its AI-powered image generation tool, Image Playground. This collaboration enables the app to generate images in various styles, such as anime, oil painting, and watercolor. Users can also send prompts to ChatGPT to create additional images. Read more.
Workout Buddy
Apple’s latest AI-driven workout coach, Workout Buddy, uses a text-to-speech model to provide motivational encouragement during exercises. The AI delivers personalized feedback, highlighting key milestones and average heart rates. After completing a workout, the AI summarizes the user’s performance, including pace, heart rate, and achievements. Read more.
Live Translation
Apple’s live translation feature, powered by Apple Intelligence, automatically translates text or spoken words into the user’s preferred language in real-time. This technology is integrated into Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls, providing live captions and translated conversations. Read more.
[Image Credits: Apple]AI-Powered Call Features
Apple has introduced two new AI-powered features for phone calls. The first, call screening, automatically answers calls from unknown numbers in the background, allowing users to hear the caller’s name and reason for the call before deciding whether to answer. The second feature, hold assist, detects hold music and enables users to stay connected while on hold, receiving notifications when a live agent becomes available. Read more.
Poll Suggestions in Messages
Apple’s new feature allows users to create polls within the Messages app, using Apple Intelligence to suggest polls based on conversation context. For example, if a group is discussing dining options, Apple Intelligence will recommend starting a poll to help make a decision. Read more.
[Image Credits: Apple]AI-Powered Shortcuts
The Shortcuts app is becoming more useful with Apple Intelligence. When building a shortcut, users can select an AI model to enable features like AI summarization. Read more.
[Image Credits: Apple]Contextually Aware Spotlight
A minor update is being introduced to Spotlight, the on-device search feature for Mac. It will now incorporate Apple Intelligence to improve contextual awareness, providing suggestions for actions that users typically perform and tailoring them to their current tasks. Read more.
Foundation Models for Developers
Apple is now allowing developers to access its AI models even when offline. The company introduced the Foundation Models framework, which enables developers to build more AI capabilities into their third-party apps that utilize Apple’s existing systems. This move is likely intended to encourage more developers to create new AI features as Apple competes with other AI companies. Read more.
Apple’s AI-Powered Siri Setback
The most disappointing news from the event was the delayed development of AI-powered features for Siri. Despite being highly anticipated, these features are not yet ready, with Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of Software Engineering, stating that more information will be shared next year. This delay may raise questions about Apple’s strategy for the voice assistant in an increasingly competitive market. Read more.
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