iPhone 16 Likely to Get Exclusive AI Features in iOS 18

Apple at WWDC 2024 will reveal a turbo-charged version of Siri powered by large language models (LLMs) that will debut in iOS 18, but some new cutting-edge generative AI features could be exclusive to iPhone 16 models, according to a new rumor.

iPhone 16 Side 2 Feature
Last month, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman revealed that Apple is developing a large array of features that use generative AI, including a "smarter version of Siri" and new LLM-based AI features that will be baked into iOS 18 and iPadOS 18.

Gurman said Apple was still debating whether to limit generative AI to on-device processing, deploy it via the cloud, or adopt a hybrid approach combining the two. It was not mentioned either way whether some AI features would require specific hardware architecture or trickle down to all models capable of running iOS 18.

However, according to new information independently shared by the leaker @Tech_Reve, iOS 18 will bring the company's new LLM to millions of existing devices by using cloud-based AI, while new on-device AI features will likely remain exclusive to the iPhone 16.

In terms of iOS 18 features, Gurman's sources mention a revamped interaction between ‌Siri‌ and the Messages app, enabling users to field complex questions and auto-complete sentences more effectively. We may also see auto-generated Apple Music playlists and integration with productivity apps like Pages and Keynote, such as AI-assisted writing and slide deck creation. Where this patina of AI integration crosses over into new hardware requirements is still unknown.

Apple is designing new A-series chips for the iPhone 16 lineup, built on TSMC's latest N3E 3-nanometer node. Efficiency and performance improvements are of course expected, but there could be other benefits that feed into Apple's AI intentions. Notably, TSMC is the sole manufacturer for Nvidia's powerful H100 and A100 AI processors, the hardware that powers AI tools like ChatGPT and which also comprises the majority of AI data centers.

All models in the iPhone 16 series are also rumored to have an extra button that we don't know the purpose of yet. Internal versions of the iPhone 16 that Apple is working on include an extra capacitive button, known internally as the "Capture Button."

The button is located on the same side as the Power button, and is a capacitive button that is able to detect pressure and touch, providing haptic feedback when pressed. There has been no word yet on what this button might be used for, but it could conceivably have unforeseen practical AI applications.

Apple is said to be on course to spend $1 billion per year on AI research, with some of the company's biggest executive names overseeing development, including senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi, senior vice president of machine learning and AI strategy John Giannandrea, and senior vice president of services Eddy Cue.

Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

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Top Rated Comments

Motawa Avatar
19 months ago
these "software exclusives" are getting very silly
Score: 47 Votes (Like | Disagree)
falkon-engine Avatar
19 months ago
I beg your pardon, exclusive AI features for the next generation iPhone? So the “neural engine” in existing iPhones is for what, exactly?
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarAnalogy Avatar
19 months ago
Getting really annoying to hear about the amazing neural engine in every chip every year, then the next year be told that only this year’s incredible neural engine can actually run Siri. WTF has that neural engine been doing for years?
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nfl46 Avatar
19 months ago
A smarter version of Siri shouldn't be too hard. Lol.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
contacos Avatar
19 months ago
Of no interest to me personally. Don’t recall the last time I used Siri and Alexa I only use to turn on / off lights or to start playing music. Something about having to think of what to even say is too much work for me. I rather press a button somewhere
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
japanime Avatar
19 months ago

these "software exclusives" are getting very silly
Agreed. Many of the "exclusives" would work equally well on hardware that is just a year or two old.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)