Apple Introduces AI Features for iPhone 16 with Free Software Update

Apple is set to release a free software update that will bring its initial artificial intelligence capabilities to the iPhone 16 lineup. This move comes as Apple seeks to stay relevant in the fast-evolving tech landscape optimized for AI.

The update for the iOS 18 operating system will be available on Monday, more than a month after the launch of the iPhone 16 models, which range in price from $800 to $1,200. Last year’s premium versions, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, also have the necessary processors to support the new AI features once the software is updated.

Additionally, the latest versions of Apple’s iPad and Mac computers can also be upgraded with this software.

International markets outside the U.S. will have to wait until next year for access to the AI features, with the actual dates still to be announced. Over the past five weeks, Apple has been fine-tuning this AI software with the help of iPhone users who volunteered for testing.

This infusion of AI is expected to enhance Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri, making it more conversational, adaptable, and engaging. Users will notice a glowing light circling the iPhone’s screen as requests are processed.

Although Apple promises that Siri will complete more tasks and be less confusing, it will not be able to interact with other apps on the iPhone until a future software update is issued.

The software update will also introduce various AI features that can assist with writing, proofreading, and summarizing emails and documents. Additionally, it will offer editing tools for photos and simplify the search for older images.

Future updates are expected to include the capability to create personalized emojis quickly and to generate imaginative images on request. Apple is also looking to incorporate OpenAI’s ChatGPT to further enhance its AI system.

Notably, many of the AI features announced by Apple are already seen in Android devices released by Samsung and Google earlier this year.

Apple is branding its unique approach as “Apple Intelligence” to differentiate itself from other leading AI technologies.

Furthermore, Apple assures that its AI services will prioritize user privacy. The technology will either function on the device itself or within secure data centers for requests that require remote processing.

Given that most existing iPhones do not have the chip required for running the new AI capabilities, it is expected that there will be significant demand for the iPhone 16 models during the upcoming holiday season and into next year. This demand has already led to an 18% surge in Apple’s stock price since the company's AI strategy was highlighted at a conference in early June. This increase has added about $500 billion to Apple’s market value, bringing it closer to becoming the first U.S. company valued at $4 trillion.

Investors will see the first results of iPhone 16 sales when Apple announces its quarterly financial results for July to September, a period that reflects the initial sales days of the new models.

According to International Data Corp., the demand for high-end iPhone 15 models has increased as they became more affordable and excitement around Apple entering the AI market grew. Apple’s iPhone shipments rose 3.5% year-over-year to 56 million units during the recent quarter, solidifying its position as the second-largest smartphone vendor after Samsung.

Analysts are now speculating whether the gradual unveiling of more AI features will entice current iPhone users to upgrade their devices for the holidays, allowing them to future-proof their purchases in this fast-developing sector.

In conjunction with the software update, Apple announced that some AirPods wireless headphones can now function as hearing aids. Around 30 million people in the U.S., or about one in eight Americans over the age of 12, experience hearing loss in both ears. Many could benefit from using hearing aids, but a significant number have never tried them, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

Apple, iPhone, AI