Apple is About to Enter the AI Race – WWDC Conference Begins on Monday

Beginning on Monday, June 10, Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is set to unveil exciting new technologies and advancements. While often taking the stage after rivals Google I/O and Microsoft Build, Apple is not typically in a position to play catch-up. However, in the thriving domain of artificial intelligence (AI), competitors such as Google with its Gemini and Microsoft with Copilot have made strong moves leaving Apple a little behind. The tech titan is now expected to demonstrate its competitive stance in the AI sphere during the conference’s opening presentation slated for 9:00 PM MSK.

According to Bloomberg, an array of AI functionalities collectively dubbed Apple Intelligence are set to be incorporated across all Apple applications. These could include summarizing messages and web pages, offering real-time translation of text and voice, developing a native emoji generator, and even enabling the removal of redundant elements from images within the revamped ‘Photos’ app via AI assistance.

Reiterating its commitment to AI, Bloomberg reports that Apple, unsuccessfully courting Google and Anthropic, has teamed up with OpenAI and is purportedly working to unfold its AI chatbot, related to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Rumor has it that Apple’s operating systems are set to be integrated with AI, positioning its virtual assistant, Siri, at the heart of operations. Siri will now use advanced language models, transforming it into a more functional assistant that can autonomously execute various tasks within Apple’s applications.

Under regulatory pressure, Apple has agreed to adopt the Rich Communication Services (RCS) standard as the default alternative to iMessage, with support for RCS expected in iOS 18. Thus enabling iPhone users and Android users to swap large text messages and higher-resolution images with end-to-end encryption soon.

MacRumors suggests that iOS 18 will permit users to organize desktop applications as they see fit, leaving vacant spaces in between. And as indicated by Bloomberg, theme management will also be integrated into the new OS.

Anticipated updates compatible with Mac, iPhone, iPad, and other devices will also reportedly deliver new, improved versions of built-in applications. The ‘Calculator’ app is believed to be getting an update and may finally make its way to the iPad. A cross-platform password manager is slated to be introduced, along with an overhaul of the ‘Settings’ and ‘Control Center’ interfaces.

Based on fraught expectations from users, the imminent release of the Mac Studio and Mac Pro on the all-new M4 chip may not materialize at WWDC; possibly pushing the wait until the end of the year.