As the race for artificial intelligence (AI) dominance heats up among tech giants, Apple appears to be lagging behind its competitors, according to a recent report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The anticipated rollout of Apple Intelligence features, set for October 28 with the iOS 18.1 update, is expected to be underwhelming compared to offerings from industry leaders like Google, OpenAI, and Meta.
Underwhelming Initial Features
Gurman emphasizes that the first batch of Apple Intelligence features will lack the “wow factor” that has become a hallmark of rival AI technologies. While there is optimism that Apple’s AI capabilities will improve with subsequent updates, some Apple employees reportedly believe that the company remains over two years behind the leaders in the AI field. An internal study conducted by Apple highlighted the disparity, revealing that OpenAI’s ChatGPT is approximately 25 percent more accurate than Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri. Additionally, the study indicated that ChatGPT can answer 30 percent more questions than Siri, underscoring the challenges Apple faces in catching up.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite these setbacks, Apple maintains a competitive edge due to its strong brand reputation and vast resources. Gurman noted that Apple’s ability to roll out new features across a large base of devices gives it a significant advantage. The company is actively expanding the range of devices that can run Apple Intelligence, with all Apple devices featuring screens expected to support some form of Apple Intelligence by 2026.
The upcoming release of the new iPhone SE and entry-level iPad will play a crucial role in this expansion. The next-generation iPhone SE is anticipated to launch in March 2025 and will be designed to run Apple Intelligence features, making the company’s generative AI capabilities more accessible to a broader audience.
Integration Across Devices
Apple’s strategy includes integrating Apple Intelligence features into its Watch and Vision Pro headset. Furthermore, upcoming home devices are expected to be built around Apple Intelligence, reflecting the company’s vision of a tightly integrated ecosystem. Gurman asserts that Apple’s unique combination of hardware and software will enable rapid feature updates, which may prove challenging for competitors like Samsung and Google to match.
What to Expect from the New iPhone SE
The new iPhone SE, which is expected to debut in March 2025, has generated considerable interest. Reports suggest that images of dummy models have surfaced online, revealing a design that closely resembles the iPhone 14, with a flat frame and a notch to accommodate the front-facing camera and FaceID sensors.
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Speculation points to Apple launching two models of the iPhone SE: a base version similar to the iPhone 14 and a larger Plus model akin to the iPhone 14 Plus. These dummy units are expected to feature a single rear camera sensor and a mute switch. Notably, the mute switch on the iPhone SE is likely to be smaller than that on the iPhone 14, while the alignment and size of the side and volume buttons will remain consistent with the iPhone 14.
Performance Enhancements
Beyond aesthetic updates, the iPhone SE is set to receive significant performance enhancements. This more affordable variant is expected to be powered by the new A18 chip, which will debut alongside the iPhone 16. Additionally, the iPhone SE is likely to come equipped with at least 8GB of RAM, which is essential for supporting the forthcoming Apple Intelligence features.
As Apple gears up for the rollout of its Apple Intelligence features, the company faces significant challenges in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. While the initial offerings may not meet the high expectations set by competitors, Apple’s robust brand presence, resource availability, and integration capabilities offer potential pathways for improvement. The upcoming iPhone SE and other devices are poised to play a pivotal role in making Apple’s AI more accessible, but whether these efforts will allow the company to close the gap with industry leaders remains to be seen. As Apple continues its journey in the AI race, consumers and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how the tech giant adapts and evolves in this competitive landscape.
