Apple Hosts WWDC on the 9th, Introducing AI Features
Global developers can now use Apple’s on-device AI
Support for Apple Swift language simplifies the integration of sophisticated AI features into apps
‘Screening’, ChatGPT-based ‘Image Playground’, among other features introduced
[Edaily, Reporter Yoon Jeong-hoon] During the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple unveiled a new ‘Foundation Model Framework’ that allows various AI tasks to be used without an internet connection. However, considering Apple’s competition with Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, some have criticized it for lacking overall innovation.
At the WWDC held at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, Apple announced upcoming new AI functionalities. The Foundation Model Framework, ambitiously presented by Apple, is significant as it opens up the use of Apple’s on-device AI capabilities to developers worldwide. However, a new personalized voice assistant similar to ‘Siri’ was not presented at this event.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, commented, “More time is needed to surpass the quality standards for (AI Siri), and it will be launched by the end of this year.”
The Foundation Model Framework provides developers direct access to Apple’s extensive language and AI models embedded in iOS, macOS, and iPadOS. This model supports well-known features such as real-time translation, visual intelligence, and Image Playground. This new functionality allows developers to build smart AI-based experiences that run locally on Apple devices without constant internet connectivity. This offline approach differs from the cloud-centric AI models of competitors.
Key features of the Foundation Model Framework include offline functionality, privacy-focused design, and developer-friendly integration. The AI tasks can be performed without an internet connection, making this technology accessible and reliable even in areas with poor internet connectivity. All AI calculations occur on-device, eliminating the need for user data to leave the device and emphasizing privacy. Additionally, accessible through Apple’s preferred programming language, Swift, this framework simplifies the integration of sophisticated AI functionalities into apps with minimal complexity.
For instance, the popular journaling app ‘Day One’ offers personalized writing prompts and intelligent content suggestions based on user input, all processed offline to ensure privacy.
The hiking map app ‘AllTrails’ uses AI to propose personalized hiking routes and provide real-time environmental insights, enabling search and responses in natural language without relying on cloud connectivity.
Other features include AI spam-blocking capabilities and the utilization of ChatGPT for the ‘Image Playground’ app. The ‘Screening’ feature helps preemptively block spam calls and texts. When an unknown number calls, the iPhone does not ring the user’s phone. However, if the caller leaves a voicemail with their name and call purpose, the device transcribes this message in real-time for the user.
In ‘Image Playground’, users can generate specific emojis or images, and request style changes to existing photos directly through the app using ChatGPT, receiving immediate results.
Bloomberg noted that “after revealing the Apple Intelligence Platform at last year’s WWDC, Apple showed a more passive stance on new feature releases and lagged behind its Silicon Valley competitors in technological capabilities” concerning Apple’s sluggish AI development.