Apple hit the brakes on development of its latest operating system for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other devices last month. The delay was meant to help “maintain quality control,” people close to the matter told Bloomberg. Instead of adding new features, the tech giant is focusing on squashing bugs and improve performance.
While not a lot is known about iOS 18, sources told Bloomberg that Apple’s senior management called its upcoming operating systems “ambitious and compelling.”
Rumors suggest a larger focus on generative artificial intelligence, namely a smarter version of Siri with an elevated integration into the OS. Apple is reportedly tapping large-language models (LLMs) for the refresh of its voice assistant. In addition, iOS 18 could revamp Siri’s interactions with the Messages app so users can ask more complicated questions and get better use out of the auto-complete feature. The tech giant may also include auto-generated Apple Music playlists, and AI integration for Pages and Keynote.
The AI race is heating up and Apple is working to make up a lot ground. When ChatGPT when mainstream earlier this year, interest in AI technology exploded. Tech companies have been pouring resources into building out their AI offerings. Apple now faces the challenging task of catching up to OpenAI, Google Bard, Amazon Alexa, and Microsoft Copilot. So far, Apple hasn’t unveiled anything close to its rivals.
Apple, ironically, was among the first to push a digital assistant in Siri. But the assistant ended up as a novelty, soon to be eclipsed by Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa. ChatGPT took the idea of a smart assistant to another level, pushing Apple further behind.
The company wants to use iOS 18 to bring generative AI to its devices. In addition, with a release of a swath of new products this year and the iPhone 16 due next year, a clean, airtight operating system is crucial.
Apple wasn’t immediately available for comment.