Apple has remained silent about the development of AI models and their implementation for quite some time. Meanwhile, Android OEMs have been highlighting their new AI features as a unique selling point for the devices. Notably, Apple is also developing its own LLM (Large Language Model) called “Ajax.” The company will likely push its AI features later this year with iOS 18 on the iPhone 16 series.
Text-based AI features on iPhone 16 will run on-device
However, Apple’s approach to the implementation of AI features seems to be a bit different than its competition. The company is focusing on running the AI features on iPhones and developing the “Ajax” model accordingly. While not much about the features is revealed, it will include basic text analysis such as summarization and generating responses.
Running a model on-device offers privacy advantages and also does not require internet. If user information does not reach the servers for processing, there won’t be a risk of the data making its way to the wrong hands. Additionally, a properly optimized on-device model can offer quicker responses as compared to a server-side implementation. There are rumors that the iPhone 16’s chip will boast an improved NPU (neural processing unit) for the purpose.
However, there’s only so much a smartphone chip can do. As AppleInsider notes, the more advanced features will still run on the servers. Reports claim that Apple may partner with companies like OpenAI and Google for LLMs that will power its more advanced features. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman noted in a section of his latest Power On newsletter that the initial implementation of Apple’s AI features may not compete with those of its rivals.
In addition to the on-device features offered by Apple’s in-house developed Ajax LLM, we will also likely see improvements in individual apps like Safari, Messages, Spotlight Search, and Siri. The company is reportedly testing on-device text-based response generation for a while which could be similar to the Galaxy S24’s Chat Assist.
Android devices have a couple of AI features that run on the device
Speaking of Android devices like the Pixel 8 Series, most of the features currently run on the servers. However, it also has some simpler features that run on-device such as Smart Reply in Gboard, summarization of Live Transcript in Pixel Recorder, Best Take, and more.
Nonetheless, the latest Power On newsletter also notes that Apple will adopt a different marketing strategy for its AI features in iOS 18. Instead of focusing on the capability of the models they will emphasize how the features will add value to users’ daily lives.
2024-04-22 15:06:13