Apple Opens AI Tools to Developers, Unveils Modest Updates at WWDC

Apple introduced a range of artificial intelligence features at its Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, focusing on practical tools and developer access rather than sweeping innovations.

Credit: APPLE

The company announced that it will open the foundational model behind Apple Intelligence to third-party developers, allowing any app to access the on-device large language model.

Apple software chief Craig Federighi said the company will also offer both its own and OpenAI’s code completion tools in its developer software.

In a demonstration, Apple integrated image generation from OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its Image Playground app, assuring users that data would not be shared with OpenAI without permission.

The updates reflect a shift in Apple’s AI strategy, prioritising backend development over consumer-facing features.

New features include live translation for phone calls and a “Call Screening” function that transcribes unknown callers’ reasons before ringing the user.

Apple said the live translation feature will work even if the caller does not have an iPhone, and developers will be able to integrate the translation technology into their own apps.

The company also expanded its Visual Intelligence app, which can now analyse items on the iPhone screen and link them with apps. For example, users can find a similar jacket for sale after spotting one online.

Apple executives confirmed that developers will only have access to the on-device version of Apple Intelligence, which uses a 3 billion parameter model and does not connect to Apple’s specialised AI data centres.

Federighi also announced a design overhaul across all Apple operating systems, introducing a “liquid glass” aesthetic with partially transparent icons and menus.

The redesign is enabled by more powerful custom chips and will apply to iPhones, Macs and other Apple devices.

Apple will also shift to using year-based names for its operating systems, replacing the current sequential numbering system.

Some analysts noted that Apple’s move to bring Mac features like multitasking and a menu bar to iPads may signal a change in how it positions its devices to consumers.

Despite the announcements, Apple shares closed 1.2% lower on Monday.

Analysts described the updates as incremental, with some expressing concern about Apple’s pace in the AI race compared to rivals.

OpenAI, meanwhile, announced it had reached a USD 10 billion annualised revenue run rate as of June.

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• Apple opens on-device AI model to third-party developers

• New features include live call translation and call screening

• Visual Intelligence app expanded to analyse screen content

Source: REUTERS