Apple Inc. is making significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) with the development of a critical software tool for app developers. This move is aimed at intensifying competition with tech giant Microsoft Corp.
The new software tool, which has been in the works for the past year, is set to be included in the next major version of Xcode, Apple’s flagship programming software. The company has expanded internal testing of the tool and has accelerated development ahead of its planned release to third-party software makers, potentially as early as this year. The tool is expected to function similarly to Microsoft’s GitHub Copilot, utilizing AI to predict and complete blocks of code. By simplifying the programming process, this tool has the potential to save developers time and money.
In addition to code prediction, Apple is exploring the application of AI in code generation for testing applications. This tedious process can be labor-intensive, so leveraging AI technology to automate it would greatly increase efficiency. To ensure the tool works properly before releasing it to external developers, Apple is currently carrying out internal testing among its engineers through a “dogfooding” effort, where the company uses its own products.
These developments reflect Apple’s broader push into generative AI and large language models (LLMs), which are the technology behind popular chatbots like ChatGPT. While Apple is playing catch-up with its tech peers in this developing market, the company has promised to reveal more about its plans for AI later this year, potentially during its annual developers conference in June.
The news of Apple’s progress in AI has caused a positive stir in the market, as Apple shares, which were previously down, briefly turned positive. Yet, Microsoft’s shares fell slightly in response.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of software engineering, has instructed his teams to prioritize the development of new AI features for this year’s operating system updates. His deputy, Sebastien Marineau-Mes, has been designated as a point person for this effort, and Apple executives have already demonstrated AI functions to the board, with Marineau-Mes playing a leading role in the presentation. The project is overseen by Andreas Wendker, another key lieutenant of Federighi.
The upcoming iOS and iPadOS 18 software updates for iPhones and iPads are expected to introduce a range of new AI features under the codename “Crystal.” Apple plans to position these updates as some of the most significant in the iPhone’s 16-year history. AI features will also be integrated into the next version of macOS, codenamed “Glow,” but Apple intends to take a gradual approach to AI development, with some enhancements anticipated to come in the following years.
Aside from the critical software tool for developers, Apple is exploring other AI features, including automation of playlist creation in Apple Music and slideshow generation in Keynote, Apple’s presentation software. Another contemplated feature upgrade is a revamped version of Spotlight, Apple’s systemwide search. This new iteration would enable users to toggle between specific app features and answer complex questions using data trained from LLMs. Early designs include using LLMs to answer intricate queries and to access specific functions within apps. The current version of Spotlight is limited to launching applications and performing basic web searches.
Apple is making concerted efforts to enhance its AI capabilities by capitalizing on its own LLMs to improve Siri, its virtual assistant, as well as its customer service support through AppleCare. Siri is being trained to accurately answer complex questions, while the customer service teams strive to expedite chat and phone support. Moreover, Apple is heavily invested in integrating AI into its health features, highlighting the company’s broader commitment to AI development.
As Apple makes strides in the AI space, the competition is also heating up. In January, Samsung Electronics launched the Galaxy S24 smartphone line that features Google AI capabilities, offering a glimpse of what Apple is expected to introduce with the iPhone 16 later this year.
In summary, Apple is aggressively pursuing the development of AI capabilities, particularly with the imminent release of a crucial software tool for app developers. By utilizing AI to predict and complete code blocks, Apple aims to streamline the programming process. The company also plans to leverage AI in code generation for testing applications. These efforts are part of Apple’s broader push into generative AI and LLMs, with the company actively looking to catch up with its competitors in this emerging market. Apple’s upcoming software updates for iPhones, iPads, and macOS are expected to incorporate various AI features. With a focus on gradually enhancing AI across its ecosystem, Apple is setting its sights on a future that embraces the potential of artificial intelligence.
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