As you know my tech Tuesday reports are all about the world of technology. And if you are into tech you will know that Apple is a pretty big player, with NVIDIA value beating them this year - which says something about technology and AI.
Apple is renowned for coming into the tech market place later than others - but doing so in a way that changes the world and tech landscape. And often they announce such things at their WWDC.
Anyone geeky enough to listen to it all. So far in 20 hours the announcements have had 8,004,725 views… A lot of people were waiting.
You didn’t come along. Nope. No worries. Let me explain.
Apple’s AI Revolution: WWDC 2024
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 has once again set the tech world abuzz with a slew of transformative announcements, focusing heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) under the branding “Apple Intelligence.”
This year, Apple has unveiled updates and innovations that are not only poised to redefine user interaction with technology but also underscore Apple’s strategic foresight in the AI landscape.
And in one move…
Apple and its new AI has killed the following startups.
Grammarly
Midjourney maybe
Every calculator app
All competitors of 1Password.
All those AI translator demos.
Humane and Rabbit, obviously.
Probably not killed but definitely hurt
Basically every ChatGPT wrapper
Thanks to Sumit On twitter for this great list.
But how could Apple do this at an event that many people thought wasn’t that great a deal. Well, it’s with some key announcements which have much bigger implications. Ironically though on the day - the biggest cheer came from being able to personalise and move app icons on the home screen (which people have asked for for years…) and the new calculator for the iPad. Which people have been asking for - for years - and is pretty amazing…
But Apple’s bigger moves were…
Apple’s Key Announcements:
AI-Powered iOS 18: iOS 18 stands out as the most significant update, packed with AI features designed to enhance everyday usability. This includes a more conversational Siri, system-wide ChatGPT integration through a partnership with OpenAI, and AI-driven functionalities like custom emoji creation, advanced photo editing, and real-time transcription (9to5Mac) (9to5Mac) (Business News Hub). The emphasis is on making AI an integral, seamless part of the user experience, reflecting a shift towards smarter, more intuitive devices.
On-Device AI Processing: Apple has taken a hybrid approach to AI processing. While some AI features will run on-device using the Neural Engine, others will leverage cloud computing. This strategy ensures that sensitive data remains private and secure, a hallmark of Apple’s commitment to user privacy (9to5Mac).
Enhanced Siri and App Integration: Siri has received a substantial upgrade, becoming an overlay to the entire phone, allowing users to interact with their devices in more natural and meaningful ways. This includes pulling up and enhancing images, setting appointments, and more. Siri’s new capabilities are designed to provide more contextual and accurate responses by leveraging on-device intelligence and selective cloud support (TechRadar).
Privacy-Centric Features: Privacy remains a cornerstone of Apple’s AI advancements. Features like data encryption, anonymized processing, and instant data erasure are built to ensure that user data is protected against unauthorized access, even from Apple itself. This approach distinguishes Apple from its competitors, reinforcing its brand as a protector of user privacy (9to5Mac) (TechRadar).
Integration Across Devices: Beyond iPhones, AI features are set to enhance macOS 15, iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, and visionOS 2, creating a cohesive ecosystem where AI aids in tasks ranging from productivity to wellness and entertainment. For instance, the Vision Pro will benefit from new first-party apps and live captions (9to5Mac) (Business News Hub).
Why This Changes Everything:
In his analysis, Ethan Mollick highlights the broader implications of Apple’s announcements. He points out that Apple’s approach signifies a major shift in AI development and application, emphasizing experimentation with various models—AI models, models of use, business models, and mental models of the future.
AI Models:
Mollick underscores the importance of foundation models in AI. The largest frontier models, such as GPT-4, Gemini 1.5, and Claude 3 Opus, often outperform specialized models even in specific domains. This underscores a trend where advanced generalist models provide superior performance and versatility. However, these models are expensive and resource-intensive, paving the way for smaller, more efficient models that can run on-device (TechRadar).
Apple's strategy of combining small on-device models with more capable cloud-based models provides a balanced approach. This hybrid system ensures that simple tasks are handled locally, enhancing speed and privacy, while more complex queries are processed in the cloud (Business News Hub).
Models of Use:
The versatility of large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 allows them to function as intellectual Swiss army knives, adept at a wide range of tasks. However, Apple’s focus is on practical, user-friendly applications that directly enhance daily activities. This approach contrasts with the more ambitious, but often less intuitive, functionalities offered by competitors (TechRadar).
Business Models:
The sustainability of AI services hinges on developing viable business models. While advanced AI access often comes at a premium, Apple’s integration of AI into its ecosystem might initially be free, fostering widespread adoption before potentially introducing monetization strategies. This experimentation is crucial for finding a balance between accessibility and profitability (TechRadar) (Business News Hub).
Models of the Future:
The spectre of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) looms over AI development. While companies like OpenAI and Anthropic aim for AGI, Apple’s focus remains on delivering immediate, practical benefits through its narrow AI systems. This pragmatic approach could accelerate AI adoption and integration into everyday life, making technology more accessible and useful for a broader audience (TechRadar).
Why all this is amazing for the future of Technology.
Apple’s announcements at WWDC 2024 mark a significant milestone in AI development. By emphasizing privacy, practical applications, and a hybrid model approach, Apple is not only enhancing its ecosystem but also setting a new standard for user-centric AI.
Not everyone was happy with their move… Especially not Elon Musk….
He is even threatening to ban all iPhones for his employees and now launch his own phone powered by his own AI (which has was probably going to do anyway…)
So why should we humble humans care about what Apple is doing? As, as Apple continues to innovate, its strategies will likely influence the broader tech landscape, driving advancements that benefit users and set the stage for future technological breakthroughs.
But what does this mean for our future?
Well, whilst I was watching the latest tech company update us all on what they were doing. And after a few chats with friends and family over the weekend. I realised something. That the TechTuesday and future of work newsletter - need to be the same.
Yes - I am interested in technology but mainly how it links to the future of work and how this changes society. I care much more about AI and teaching and how we teach teachers how to use AI than perhaps new advancements in tech security and technology per se…
Yes, when clients ask for more detailed keynote talks on the future of work and AI in their different sectors, I will investigate those and love doing so.
But for generally creating content on the whole technology landscape. That’s too much to do. And so….
It’s time to retire the #TechTuesday newsletter.
So this is the last Tech Tuesday. From me.
I will continue to write the Friday future of work newsletter.
Both on here and on LinkedIn and Medium too.
But Tech Tuesday is no more.
100% of the votes said…
The same, so…
Goodbye TT.
Hello the future of work on a Friday.
Yours
Check Dan’s availability to customize a speech on the future of work, technology and AI perfectly tailored for your audience.
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References for the newsletter
Introducing Apple’s On-Device and Server Foundation Models - Apple Machine Learning Research
Apple prepares for its 2024 WWDC event | CNN Business
Thoughts on the WWDC 2024 keynote on Apple Intelligence (simonwillison.net)
Here’s everything to expect from Apple’s AI-focused WWDC 2024 - 9to5Mac
Here’s everything to expect from Apple’s AI-focused WWDC 2024 - 9to5Mac
WWDC 2024: AI, iOS 18, and everything we're expecting from Apple's big show | TechRadar