News/Apple
Apple to use Alibaba AI in Chinese iPhones, says Chairman Joe Tsai
Apple and Alibaba's strategic partnership marks a significant development in China's AI landscape, representing the first collaboration between Apple's iPhone and a Chinese tech giant's AI technology. The announcement comes as both companies seek to strengthen their positions in the world's largest smartphone market while navigating complex regulatory requirements. The partnership details: Alibaba Group Chairman Joseph Tsai confirmed that Apple's iPhones will integrate Alibaba's artificial intelligence technology specifically for the Chinese market. The confirmation follows a surge in Alibaba's stock price to a 2022 high on the Hong Kong stock exchange The partnership represents a strategic move by Apple to...
read Feb 13, 2025Google’s powerful new AI research agent now available on iPhone
Google's Gemini, an advanced AI assistant, has expanded its Deep Research feature to iOS devices, offering Gemini Advanced subscribers a sophisticated research tool. The feature, which first appeared on web browsers in December before rolling out to Android devices, represents Google's latest effort to transform how users interact with online information. Core functionality: Deep Research leverages AI to autonomously conduct comprehensive web research, moving beyond simple link aggregation to deliver organized, detailed reports. The tool processes search results by reading through linked content and synthesizing information into coherent research documents Users can customize research parameters and modify the AI's approach...
read Feb 12, 2025Alibaba stock perks up as investors bet on iPhone AI potential
Alibaba's stock experienced a significant surge following reports that Apple may partner with the Chinese e-commerce giant to implement AI features for iPhones in China. This potential collaboration marks a strategic shift in Apple's approach to AI services in the world's largest smartphone market, where regulatory approval is required for such technologies. Market Impact: The news triggered immediate reactions in Asian markets, particularly affecting key players in China's tech sector. Alibaba's shares jumped as much as 8.6%, marking their biggest increase since September Baidu, previously considered a frontrunner for Apple's AI partnership, saw its stock decline by nearly 3% in...
read Feb 11, 2025Apple teams with Alibaba on AI for Chinese iPhones
Apple's partnership with Chinese tech giant Alibaba aims to deliver artificial intelligence features to iPhone users in China, marking a strategic shift after previous attempts to collaborate with Baidu fell short. This development comes as Apple faces declining market share in China, particularly against competitors like Huawei who have already integrated AI tools into their smartphones. The strategic pivot: Apple's decision to partner with Alibaba represents a crucial move to maintain competitiveness in the Chinese market, where AI features have become increasingly important to consumers. Apple initially selected Baidu as its primary AI partner, but the company's AI models failed...
read Feb 8, 2025Apple’s ELEGNT AI aims to make home robots feel like companions
Apple has developed a new framework called ELEGNT that enables robots to move more naturally and expressively when interacting with humans, potentially making them more engaging as home assistants. The breakthrough technology: The Expressive and Functional Movement Design (ELEGNT) framework allows non-humanoid robots to communicate intentions, emotions, and attitudes through their movements while performing tasks. The system was tested using a lamp-like robot with a 6-axis robotic arm and a head containing a light and projector Researchers programmed both functional movements for completing tasks and expressive movements to convey the robot's internal state The design was inspired by animated characters,...
read Feb 8, 2025Craft app’s latest AI upgrade may change how you use your iPhone forever
Latest Development: Craft, a document management app, has introduced offline AI capabilities through local language models, marking a significant shift in how AI can be used on Apple devices. Core Features: The update introduces a flexible AI assistant that allows users to choose between different AI models, including both cloud-based and local options. The initial release includes DeepSeek's R1 model, which requires less than 1GB of storage and uses 1.5 billion parameters A more capable 7 billion parameter R1 model is in development, requiring 4GB of storage Two Meta LLaMa models are being added, with 1 billion and 3 billion...
read Feb 7, 2025Apple scraps AR glasses, plus more from Meta, Amazon and Google
Multiple tech shifts: Major technology companies are making strategic pivots and launches in AI, mixed reality, and gaming sectors, with some scaling back while others accelerate their investments. Apple's strategic retreat: Apple has discontinued development of its AR glasses while maintaining focus on the $3,500 Vision Pro The company appears to be falling behind in AI development, particularly with Siri lagging behind competitors Enterprise mixed reality has become Apple's primary focus in the wearables space Amazon's AI assistant evolution: Amazon is preparing a significant upgrade to Alexa, its first major enhancement in over 10 years The new version will feature...
read Feb 7, 2025Mistral’s AI chatbot ‘Le Chat’ now available as iOS app
Mistral AI, a French artificial intelligence company, has released its first native iOS app for its chatbot Le Chat, expanding beyond its previous web-only interface. Product Overview: Le Chat is an AI-powered chatbot that competes directly with ChatGPT and other conversational AI tools, offering both free and premium subscription options. The app provides natural language conversations, real-time internet search capabilities, and document analysis features Le Chat can process up to 1,000 words per second, reportedly faster than ChatGPT's 4.0 model The platform includes advanced image generation capabilities Mistral emphasizes enhanced privacy features compared to competing chatbots Technical Specifications: The iOS...
read Feb 1, 2025Apple CEO Tim Cook shares his thoughts on DeepSeek
Apple's CEO Tim Cook provided his perspective on Chinese AI firm DeepSeek during an investor call, addressing how reduced AI development costs could benefit Apple's strategy. Key developments; DeepSeek has emerged as a significant player in the AI landscape by substantially lowering the costs associated with developing and operating advanced AI models. The Chinese firm's V3 model, which powers their R1 reasoning system, competes directly with ChatGPT o3 DeepSeek's innovation centers on making AI development and deployment more cost-efficient The development represents a potential shift in the economics of AI model development and operation Apple's strategic response; Tim Cook emphasized...
read Jan 31, 2025Despite new AI features, iPhone sales dipped in 2024
Apple's iPhone sales declined slightly in late 2024 despite the introduction of new AI features, with overall sales dropping approximately 1% to $69.1bn compared to the previous year. Market Performance and Key Numbers: Apple reported mixed results in its latest earnings report, with total company sales rising 4% to $124.3bn while iPhone revenue specifically decreased. Overall company profits increased 7% year-over-year to $36.3bn Strong performance in computer sales and services business, including Apple TV, Apple News, and Apple Pay, helped offset iPhone weakness A record number of existing iPhone users upgraded their devices during the period AI Implementation and Challenges:...
read Jan 31, 2025iPhone Messages app now offers DALL-E AI image generation
Apple's latest iOS 18.2 update enables users to generate AI-created images directly within the Messages app using DALL·E through ChatGPT integration. New Feature Overview: The integration of ChatGPT with Apple Intelligence brings advanced AI image generation capabilities to supported iPhone models, specifically the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16. The feature allows users to create custom images through voice commands in the Messages app DALL·E's image generation capabilities typically produce higher quality results compared to Apple's Image Playground Users can access this functionality without a ChatGPT account, though account holders can sign in for additional features Setup Process: The ChatGPT...
read Jan 30, 2025iPhone sales decline as Apple advances AI push
Apple's iPhone sales experienced a slight decline of 1% to $69.1bn in late 2023, despite the company's introduction of new artificial intelligence features in select markets. Market Performance and AI Integration: The tech giant's strategic rollout of AI capabilities has shown mixed results across different regions, with positive reception in markets where the features were available. Strong adoption was reported in the US market where AI features were initially launched Apple plans to expand AI features to more languages in April 2024 The company's AI news roundup feature faced criticism and was suspended due to accuracy issues, including errors in...
read Jan 30, 2025The 8 best AI chatbot apps for Apple devices
Market Overview: Eight major AI chatbot applications currently dominate the landscape for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users, each offering unique features and capabilities while competing for market share. Leading Platforms and Core Features: Each platform brings distinct capabilities and pricing models to serve different user needs. Anthropic Claude emphasizes safe AI development and excels in document handling, available on iOS devices and web for free, with a Pro tier at $20/month DeepSeek offers unique "thought process" transparency and competitive AI capabilities at lower operational costs, available free on iPhone and web Google Gemini provides comprehensive features including voice mode, image...
read Jan 29, 2025Apple faces allegations of outsourcing unethical data sourcing
Apple's AI practices face scrutiny from shareholders ahead of its February 25 Annual Shareholder Meeting, with specific concerns about data privacy and partnerships with AI companies. Key allegations: The National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) has filed a proposal with the SEC questioning Apple's approach to AI development and data collection practices. The proposal, listed as No. 4 in Apple's 2025 proxy materials, calls for detailed reporting on AI data acquisition and ethics NLPC criticizes Apple for allegedly outsourcing "unethical practices" to partners while maintaining a privacy-friendly public image A particular focus is placed on Apple's $25 billion partnership with...
read Jan 27, 2025iOS 18.3 update includes much needed improvements to AI summaries
The latest iOS update introduces changes to AI-powered notification handling and makes Apple Intelligence a default feature for newer devices. Key Updates: Apple has released iOS 18.3, which brings significant modifications to how AI handles notification summaries and introduces new artificial intelligence capabilities. Apple has temporarily disabled notification summaries for news and entertainment apps following accuracy concerns raised by the BBC Users who opt into the feature will receive notifications when it becomes available again New visual indicators include italicized text for AI-generated summaries to distinguish them from standard notifications Lock screen management options for notification summaries have been added...
read Jan 27, 2025Why Apple is benefiting from DeepSeek’s meteoric success
Apple's stock value and market position have been bolstered by the emergence of DeepSeek, while other tech companies face market challenges from this AI newcomer. Market dynamics and valuation impact: DeepSeek's entry into the AI landscape has created unexpected benefits for Apple, particularly in terms of market capitalization and competitive positioning. Apple has reclaimed its position as the world's most valuable company, surpassing NVIDIA, as DeepSeek's emergence has caused many tech stocks to decline while Apple's shares have increased The shift in market dynamics demonstrates how external AI developments can unexpectedly reshape competitive landscapes in the tech sector App Store...
read Jan 27, 2025Apple’s latest iOS update requires users to opt out of new AI features
Apple has released major operating system updates across its ecosystem, with iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and MacOS 15.3 now featuring Apple Intelligence as a default setting rather than an opt-in feature. What's new: Apple Intelligence, the company's artificial intelligence technology, is now automatically enabled for new and upgrading users on compatible devices. Users who prefer not to use the AI features must manually disable them through the Settings menu The feature now requires 7GB of storage space, an increase from the initial 4GB requirement Disabling the feature may not immediately recover the storage space Device compatibility: Apple's AI features are...
read Jan 25, 2025Leaked internal memo reveals Apple’s AI roadmap for 2025
A recently leaked memo revealed Apple's AI priorities for 2025, offering a glimpse of what to expect from the tech giant this year. Key development: Apple is making strategic moves to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities, with a particular focus on revamping Siri and developing proprietary AI models by 2025. Leadership changes and priorities: Veteran project manager Kim Vorrath is transitioning to Apple's AI and Siri division, following direction from AI head John Giannandrea. The restructuring aims to strengthen Apple's position in the rapidly evolving AI landscape Two main focus areas have been identified: modernizing Siri's infrastructure and advancing in-house...
read Jan 24, 2025Apple just appointed a new leader to make Siri not suck anymore
The appointment of Kim Vorrath as a top deputy in Apple's artificial intelligence and machine learning division marks a strategic move to strengthen the company's AI capabilities and Siri development. Key appointment details: Apple has moved VP Kim Vorrath, known for managing troubled products and major launches, to lead program management in its AI and machine learning division under John Giannandrea. Vorrath brings significant experience from her role in launching Apple Vision Pro and managing the original iPhone software group She will oversee AI executives Kelsey Peterson, Cindy Lin, and Marc Schonbrun The reorganization was announced internally through a memo...
read Jan 24, 2025Apple temporarily disabled iOS AI summaries — here’s when to expect their return
What's changing: Apple is temporarily disabling and modifying its AI-powered notification summary feature in iOS 18.3 due to issues with inaccurate news headlines and summaries. The update is expected to release publicly in late January 2025, likely on the 27th or 28th The feature initially launched in October as part of Apple Intelligence, designed to prioritize urgent notifications while summarizing less important ones Problems emerged in December and January when the system produced incorrect news headlines, including errors in coverage about Rafael Nadal Technical modifications: Apple is implementing several changes to improve transparency and user control over the notification summary...
read Jan 23, 2025The AI-enabled iPad Mini is the perfect portable companion for daily tasks
Apple's newest iPad Mini 7 delivers impressive portability and entertainment capabilities at a $500 price point, though it comes with notable limitations for power users. The big picture: The iPad Mini 7 represents Apple's latest attempt to balance portability with performance, featuring the new A17 Pro chip while maintaining the compact form factor that defines the Mini series. At 8.3 inches, the display offers a sweet spot between phone and full-sized tablet, making it ideal for on-the-go use The device maintains a 60Hz refresh rate display, falling short of higher-end iPad models Priced at $500, it positions itself in the...
read Jan 21, 2025Apple Intelligence auto-activates in iOS 18.3, but you can opt out
Apple will automatically enable its AI features on iOS devices with the upcoming iOS 18.3 release, marking a shift from the previous opt-in approach to an opt-out model. Key update details: The forthcoming iOS 18.3 release will automatically activate Apple Intelligence features during device setup, requiring users to manually disable them if desired. The change applies to iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS 15.3 Users must navigate to Apple Intelligence & Siri Settings to disable the features The update affects both new device setups and upgrades to iOS 18.3 Previous implementation: Apple's approach to AI feature adoption has evolved significantly...
read Jan 20, 2025ChatGPT Tasks beta falls short of Siri in real-world test
ChatGPT's new Tasks feature beta release shows early promise but falls short of replacing established digital assistants like Siri. Initial impressions: The recently launched ChatGPT Tasks beta demonstrates OpenAI's attempt to compete in the digital assistant space while exhibiting significant reliability issues during early testing. The feature accepts both text and voice commands for setting reminders and managing tasks Cross-platform functionality allows users to sync their tasks across different devices The system shows initiative by suggesting related tasks and follow-up items to users Key limitations: Despite some innovative features, ChatGPT Tasks currently suffers from several critical shortcomings that impact its practical utility....
read Jan 20, 2025Apple to bring long-awaited AI Mail features to Macs and iPads
Apple Mail's AI-enhanced features, which debuted on iPhones in iOS 18.2, will expand to Macs and iPads in upcoming software updates. Key updates and timeline: Apple plans to release the upgraded Mail app for Mac in macOS 15.4 this April, with an iPad version also confirmed but without a specific release date. The new Mail app uses artificial intelligence to automatically categorize incoming messages, sorting receipts, newsletters, and other content into dedicated folders Apple previously previewed the Mac version of the updated Mail interface during an October presentation The update will arrive alongside improvements to Siri that enhance personal information...
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