iOS 18: All On-Device Or Room For Cloud-Based Processing?

Apple fans and enthusiasts are currently waiting for the Worldwide Developers Conference. At the event, the company is expected to unveil iOS 18, which will include a host of AI-based features that will ship with the iPhone 16 series (roundup) later this year and possibly arrive on older iPhones later this year. That said, Bloomberg has come up with some vital information regarding iOS 18’s AI-based features.

On-Device Processing To Power Initial Wave Of AI-Based Features

According to the Q&A section of Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter (via MacRumors), the “initial wave of features [based on AI] will work entirely on device.” In other words, there’s no cloud processing aspect to Apple’s large language model, the software that powers the AI features. 

The Neural Engines on Apple’s iPhones are quite powerful. Further, the A18 Bionic chip on the iPhone 16 will carry an even more capable Neural Engine, CPU, and GPU, making it easier for the device to handle AI-related workflows. 

However, the company might also include a couple of cloud-based features that third parties provide. The iPhone maker has been in discussions with China’s Baidu, OpenAI, and Google for potential AI partnerships. This also indicates that iOS 18 might not include Apple’s first-party chatbot.

Apple In Discussion With Google And OpenAI For Integration Of Their Chatbot

Nonetheless, iOS 18 could include a chatbot from another company, such as Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Supply chain analysts Jeff Pu and Ming-Chi Kuo have claimed that Apple is purchasing AI servers, indicating the possibility of some cloud-based AI features in the future.

Whether in collaboration or via Apple’s first-party tools, iOS 18 is said to come with a plethora of AI-based features. These features will be integrated across Apple’s suite of apps, such as Spotlight search, Siri, Safari, Shortcuts, Apple Music, Messages, Health, etc.

Apple Can Unveil The AI-Based Features At WWDC

Apple is likely to unveil more details about the AI-based features and iOS 18 on June 10, the day the Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off. The annual event runs from June 10 to June 14. Those interested in watching the event should join the live stream on Apple’s official YouTube channel.

M4-Powered MacBooks To Offer On-Device AI Features Too

In a related development, Gurman has also reported about the launch of M4-powered MacBooks by the end of this year. He said the new Apple silicon will feature on-device AI capabilities and power the next-generation macOS features. The M4 family consists of three chipsets, including the regular M4 (Donan), M4 Pro (Brava), and top-tier M4 Ultra (Hidra). 

While the journalist hasn’t confirmed the chipsets’ names, we’re using Apple’s current nomenclature for ease of understanding. He did, however, reveal the codenames given in the brackets. The company may release a new 14-inch MacBook Pro with the entry-level M4 chip by the end of this year. The company will then refresh the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.

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