iOS 18 AI features will likely work entirely on iPhone and not depend on cloud servers

iOS 18 AI features will likely work entirely on iPhone and not depend on cloud servers

Apple is all set to host its annual developer conference, the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, in June from the 10 to the 14. As the event approaches, excitement is building around what Apple might unveil, particularly regarding the new iPhone operating system, iOS 18. Rumours suggest this will be the biggest update in iPhone history with a focus on AI integration. Adding to that now a new report suggests that  iOS 18’s planned AI features will operate entirely on-device, without relying on cloud servers.

In the latest Q&A section of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reveals that Apple plans to power its AI features in iOS 18 entirely on-device, without relying on cloud servers. “As the world awaits Apple’s big AI unveiling on June 10, it looks like the initial wave of features will work entirely on-device. That means there’s no cloud processing component to the company’s large language model, the software that powers the new capabilities,” says Gurman.Â

However, according to Mark Gurman Apple might continue to offer some AI features in the cloud for later updates, possibly utilising Google’s Gemini or a similar service.Â

Interestingly, if Apple goes with on-device processing for AI features in iOS 18, then this step will bring some significant benefits. For instance, on-device processing prioritises user privacy. By keeping your data on your device for AI tasks, concerns around cloud storage and processing are minimised. Additionally, on-device processing also offers faster response without depending on the internet unlike cloud servicers. .Â

However, there is also a potential downside. Advanced AI features need powerful processing, and keeping it in smartphones – even high-end smartphones – might struggle to handle complex AI tasks, like those used by ChatGPT, Gemini large language models (LLMs). This could further limit access to some of the most advanced AI functionalities.

For context, if we look at Apple’s Android competitors like Samsung and Google, who are offering AI features, Samsung’s Galaxy AI also includes offline capabilities such as Interpreter and typing suggestions. Google, too, has developed the Gemini Nano AI model intended for on-device execution, but there are limitations. However, according to Gurman, Apple will address these limitations by not keeping all the AI feature processing on the device. Instead, Apple could incorporate cloud-based features in future, potentially powered by Google Gemini or a similar provider.

With this hybrid move, Apple would be able to offer users a choice between privacy with on-device processing (potentially with slightly less powerful features) or opt for the full range of AI capabilities by leveraging the cloud. And with this, Apple will leverage this approach to strengthen its reputation for stringent user privacy protection.

As for the cloud-based features, Apple is reportedly in talks with various companies, including Google, OpenAI, and Baidu, to explore collaborations in generative AI. While iOS 18 likely won’t include an Apple-made chatbot like ChatGPT, it’s unclear whether Gemini or another chatbot will be integrated into the operating system.

Supply chain experts like Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu suggest Apple might be building its own cloud-based generative AI tools. Their reports stem from Apple’s recent purchases of AI servers, hinting at an expansion in their AI capabilities.

Nevertheless, as for the range of AI features Apple is planning to bring, Gurman earlier suggested that iOS 18 is rumoured to have new generative AI features for the iPhone’s Spotlight search tool, Siri, Safari, Shortcuts, Apple Music, Messages, Health, Numbers, Pages, Keynote, and more. AI could also improve Siri’s ability to answer more complex questions and allow the Messages app to auto-complete sentences. Other than AI features, there are also reports of significant upgrades in Maps, RCS features, and a potential upgrade to the home screen.

However, everything is speculation, and what’s really behind the curtains will be unveiled at the WWDC 2024, followed by the first availability with the iPhone 16 series.