Tim Cook confirms Apple’s generative AI features are coming later this year

AI is expected to be a huge aspect of smartphones this year. With Samsung already launching a suite of Galaxy AI features with its new S24 series last month, the ball is now in Apple’s court, as iPhones currently don’t boast of any AI-powered features that could go toe-to-toe with Samsung’s smartphones.

That was set to change later this year, with the introduction of iOS 18. Now, Apple CEO Tim Cook has recently confirmed that the company has indeed been working on developing generative AI features, which will be introduced later this year.

ALSO READ: Evolution of the iPhone: How Apple built the poster boy for smartphones

In a recent earnings call held earlier this week, Cook mentioned that Apple will continue investing in technologies that will shape the future. “That includes artificial intelligence, where we continue to spend a tremendous amount of time and effort, and we’re excited to share the details of our ongoing work in that space later this year,” Cook added.

As is typical with anything Apple, more details on what AI features to expect, or when to expect them were not shared. However, if previous rumours by Mark Gurman are to be believed, the new AI features could be a part of iOS 18, expected to be Apple’s biggest update ever.

While there is currently no timeline, Apple usually announces new software at its annual WWDC conference in the summer. We expect iOS 18, along with new versions of macOS, iPadOS, tvOS and watchOS to also go official then.

What Apple’s new generative AI features could mean for iPhone users

It is currently not known what the new AI features Apple has hinted at actually include. However, some use-cases for generative AI that would really help everyday smartphone usage include text generation and advanced image editing.

Text generation could help users do everything from creating emails in the specific tonality they desire, to helping with real-time translations over messages and perhaps calls.

ALSO READ: How to make the most of your iPhone

Meanwhile, advanced image editing tools powered by AI could help users edit images in previously impossible ways, from erasing distractions and moving subjects, to changing backgrounds while keeping subjects intact.

While this is just speculation on our part, stemming from the various features brands like Samsung have added to AI feature-sets, it remains to be seen how far Apple will go in revolutionising the smartphone experience with AI.