Apple's iPhone 16 Launches Without Highly Anticipated AI Features

Apple's iPhone 16 is available in stores -- but without AI

Apple's iPhone 16 lineup hit stores in some 60 countries Friday, but the new phones have not exactly been flying off the shelves. Some analysts attribute tepid demand for the new phones to the fact that they were missing a key attribute out of the box: the tech giant's much-hyped artificial intelligence features. "One of the key factors for the lower-than-expected demand for the iPhone 16 Pro series is that the major selling point, Apple Intelligence, is not available at launch alongside the iPhone 16 release," TF International Securities Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo wrote in a blogpost. Despite the company's best efforts, the launch of Apple Intelligence is more complicated and drawn out than much of the marketing surrounding it suggests. The new iPhones come preloaded with iOS 18, Apple's latest software upgrade. Contrary to earlier reports, however, iOS 18 does not include artificial intelligence enhancements. Instead, Apple Intelligence will begin with iOS 18.1, set to arrive in October, according to Apple. Consumers anxious to test out Apple Intelligence can download a public beta version of the software which was made available Thursday -- just three days after the release of iOS 18. Apple Intelligence features integrated into iOS 18.1 include "text rewriting tools," and a "glowy new Siri design," the Verge reported. iPhone 16 series first-weekend pre-order sales were down about 13% compared with those of the iPhone 15 series during the same period last year, noted Kuo. "The key factor is the lower-than-expected demand for the iPhone 16 Pro series," she said. Kuo added that Apple employees, who typically have to wait several weeks after new iPhone models are released to purchase them, are able to use their employee discounts on the new phones now. "This could be another sign that the early demand for the iPhone 16 is below expectations," Kuo wrote in a post on X. Once iOS 18.1 officially is officially released, Apple Intelligence will be integrated into apps like Mail and Notes. The new technology is designed to simplify daily chores like list-writing, "[harnessing] the power of Apple silicon to understand and create language and images, take action across apps, and draw from personal context to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks," according to Apple. Apple Intelligence is also expected to make Apple's virtual assistant, Siri, work better -- though enhancements may likely be subtle at first. With the first iOS upgrade, Siri will be endowed "with richer language-understanding capabilities," according to Apple in a description of the iPhone 16 on its website. Users will also be able to communicate with Siri by text as well, "and switch fluidly between text and voice as they accelerate everyday tasks." Apple Intelligence will also work on iPhone 15 Pro models, once the software update arrives. CNET senior editor Lisa Eadicicco told CBS news she's not surprised that demand for iPhone 16 isn't going through the roof. "For people looking to upgrade, it's really not about the year-over-year improvements anymore," she told CBS News. "I think the days of buying the latest iPhone every year are behind us. I think if you have a phone that's several generations old, those are the people that are really going to benefit form the upgrade because you get longer battery life." People only upgrade when they "need" a new phone, said Eadicicco, which is typically every three years or so, according to CNET data.

Apple's iPhone 16 Goes on Sale Today Without Latest AI Features

Apple's (AAPL) latest smartphone, the iPhone 16, will be available in stores starting today, following disappointing Wall Street feedback from pre-order data. Potentially weighing on the models' popularity is that the tech giant's AI model, Apple Intelligence, won't be available immediately but will come later as a free software update. Further, aside from a "camera control" button that will let users take pictures or change settings while keeping a hand on the side of the phone, the new model "has only modest upgrades from prior models," Bloomberg reported. In the lineup for sales at almost 60 countries globally are the standard the 16 and 16 Plus models, as well as the higher-end Pro and Pro Max. Pre-orders began last week, with early indications showing the various models had shorter average delivery times across a number of key markets -- suggesting a combination of lower sales volume and higher supply. Apple shares rose less than 1% an hour after the opening bell Friday. They have gained almost 20% year-to-date.

Apple's iPhone 16 is in stores now -- but it's missing a key selling point

Apple's (AAPL) latest lineup of iPhones hit stores on Friday, but it's notably missing one of its key selling points that the tech giant is hoping will convince users to upgrade their older models. The iPhone 16, which is now stocked on Apple store shelves in some 60 countries, will come equipped with iOS 18, making it the company's first artificial intelligence-capable iPhone. But its suite of AI features, which it has dubbed Apple Intelligence, will only become available as a software update next month. Pre-order demand for the smartphones has already appeared weaker than expected. In the first weekend since its debut, Apple sold about 37 million iPhone 16 smartphones -- down almost 13% from iPhone 15 first-weekend sales a year ago, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Monday. Pre-orders were dragged down by lower interest in the Pro models, largely because of the staggered release of Apple Intelligence, Kuo said. "One of the key factors for the lower-than-expected demand for the iPhone 16 Pro series is that the major selling point, Apple Intelligence, is not available at launch alongside the iPhone 16 release," he said. Apple Intelligence will only be available on iPhone 15 Pro models or higher, a fact that analysts have said would drive an upgrade "super cycle," and mark a new era of growth for the tech giant. T-Mobile (TMUS) chief Mike Sievert has pushed back against claims of weak demand for the newest slate of iPhones, calling them "nonsense" in an interview with CNBC on Thursday. He said sales of the iPhone 16 were "'not only good, but better than last year." "People are buying Pros, they're buying Maxes, so they're buying up the food chain, and they're buying at a greater rate than last year," Sievert said. An analysis of pre-orders by Jefferies (JEF) released Wednesday found that demand for the new iPhone lineup is slowly beginning to improve in the U.S., with delivery times for the iPhone 16 Pro reaching two to three weeks in seven major cities analyzed by the investment bank. But that's still below last year's levels. Recent research into the reasons why people upgrade their smartphones found that a just 18% of consumers buy a new iPhone because of new features. A majority only opt to upgrade their smartphones once they become obsolete, or are stolen or damaged. It's not just iPhones coming on to the scene Friday. Other products making their debut on store shelves worldwide include the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and new AirPods models.

The iPhone 16 launches today, without its most hyped feature: Apple Intelligence

The iPhone 16 officially goes on sale Friday. But for its earliest adopters, it arrives with a fundamental compromise baked into the deal. Put simply, this is not the iPhone 16 that they were promised. Tim Cook said it would be "first iPhone built for Apple Intelligence." But that "for" is key: the handsets actually will not have its most hyped AI features out of the gate. This feels like a turning point for Apple. When it comes to new features on phones, the company may not always be known for being the first to market or for jumping on gimmicks, but it is known for being the best. That's not the case here. Apple was compelled to board the AI hype train, and is thus taking a leap into the half-baked void. Apple has now talked about its Apple Intelligence suite twice -- first when announcing the AI suite at its WWDC developer conference in June, and second during its September iPhone 16 launch. But in actuality, the company is far behind in terms of actually shipping features when it comes to its competitors like Google and Microsoft, as well as upstarts like OpenAI and Anthropic. The company's first set of AI tools, announced and released in developer betas, are rewriting tools, summarizations of articles and notifications, erasing objects in photos, and audio transcription. Much of this functionality already exists in the market. Apple's bet is that its punt on privacy -- your usage data is not shared with other users, or with other tech companies, it promises -- will be enough to attract buyers. Strictly speaking, the gap between product and feature is not as dramatic as you might think -- or at least that is how Apple would defend all this. The iPhone went on sale September 20, and Apple has promised to start launching its AI features in October. Yet only a handful of features will be made live at that time, and they will only be in U.S. English. (Recall that the company counts heavily on international markets, with North America accounting for just over half of all iPhone unit sales.) And for the more complicated AI bells and whistles, we will all still have to wait. The company plans to roll out features like visual search and Image Playground starting next month, while additional language support is starting to be rolled out in December -- but first with localized English. Other languages will arrive some time in 2025. The iPhone 16 isn't strictly necessary for those who want the new AI features. The company has already confirmed that iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will also get access to the platform. So if Apple Intelligence is actually going to be a game changer as Apple promises, it's fair to wonder if the rollout gaps and delays will keep users from upgrading. Or, if we start to see consumers adopt more of a wait-and-see approach -- which might also translate to lower sales. As my colleague Sarah pointed out, Apple's AI features could become more useful once third-party developers are able to fully integrate them with their apps. That's nice to consider, but if and when it happens, but that's more of a conversation for the iPhone 17. That might well be the point here. Apple is building for the longer term opportunities, and for the first time, it feels like it's asking buyers to take that leap of faith with it.

Apple iPhone 16 reaches stores without highly awaited AI features

Apple is launching the iPhone 16 lineup in nearly 60 countries, including India, but without its anticipated AI software, Apple Intelligence. Users will need to download the software features over time. The new iPhones have modest upgrades, with a touch-sensitive Camera Control button being the most notable change. Despite this, analysts are optimistic about Apple's growth during the holiday season.Apple Inc. is facing an unprecedented challenge: persuading customers to buy its latest iPhones without their biggest new feature. On Friday, Apple is launching the iPhone 16 lineup in almost 60 countries, including the US, China, India, Australia and South Korea. But the device won't come installed with Apple Intelligence -- the much-anticipated AI software that the company has been touting since June. That means users will have to download the software features over time as they become available during the coming weeks and months. That's put Apple in a tricky spot. It's already marketing the AI features heavily, but some consumers may hold off on buying the new phones if they can't enjoy the benefits right away. The new iPhone hardware, meanwhile, has only modest upgrades from prior models. A touch-sensitive Camera Control button that makes it easier to take pictures and video is the most notable change. Even so, Wall Street remains bullish that Apple can accelerate growth during the all-important holiday season. Analysts estimate that revenue will increase 8% in the December quarter -- the best showing for that period since the end of calendar 2021. The new lineup includes two standard models -- the 16 and 16 Plus -- as well as the higher-end Pro and Pro Max. Preorders of the devices began last week, with shipments to stores and customers getting underway Friday. It's rare to see huge crowds of iPhone shoppers at Apple stores these days, but some diehard fans have lined up at locations around the world. The big question will be whether ordinary consumers snap up the new model as well. The initial units going on sale will run iOS 18 operating system, but Apple Intelligence will require an over-the-air update to the iOS 18.1 software, which is launching in October. Apple Intelligence was announced in June at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference and has been available in a limited beta test for developers for the past several weeks. On Thursday, Apple released a public beta version of Apple Intelligence -- one aimed at a wider audience -- though most customers won't access it until the suite of features is released in its final form next month. Additional capabilities won't be ready until later, part of a staggered launch that will stretch into next year. When the technology titan introduced the iPhone 16 line, it said that the devices were the first to be built "from the ground up" for Apple Intelligence. But some iPhones from last year -- the 15 Pro and Pro Max -- will be able to support the features as well. The look of the new phones is little changed from the iPhone 12 design from 2020. But they feature noticeable battery-life improvements and camera advancements -- beyond the new button. Prices start at $799 for the standard iPhone, ranging up to $1,199 for the Pro Max. In past years, consumers ordering phones from Apple's online store have seen major shipping delays -- a sign that supply wasn't meeting demand. That's been less of an issue this year, either because orders are slower or Apple just has more phones on hand. New orders of the regular iPhone 16 models will be delivered by early October, while the Pro versions will arrive around the middle of the month. Apple also unveiled lower-end AirPods this month and updated watches. The new earbuds -- dubbed AirPods 4 -- are available in a $129 and $179 versions, with the latter model including noise cancellation. That feature had previously been reserved for the upscale AirPods Pro, which cost $249. Apple's latest smartwatches, meanwhile, don't offer a major reason to upgrade. The new Series 10 has a larger display and thinner design, but otherwise looks similar to the Series 9. The company's only change to the higher-end Ultra model, meanwhile, is a black color option. Still, the products could attract customers who have older Apple Watches or are new to the category. The iPhone, watches and AirPods won't be the last new Apple products of 2024. The company also is planning a major Mac computer overhaul later this year. Apple will bring its AI-focused M4 processor from the iPad to the MacBook Pro laptops and iMac desktop. It's also preparing the most significant overhaul to the Mac mini in the product's two-decade history, complete with a smaller design and new chips.

Apple iPhone 16 Reaches Stores Without Its Highly Awaited AI Features

Apple Inc. is facing an unprecedented challenge: persuading customers to buy its latest iPhones without their biggest new feature. On Friday, Apple is launching the iPhone 16 lineup in almost 60 countries, including the US, China, India, Australia and South Korea. But the device won't come installed with Apple Intelligence -- the much-anticipated AI software that the company has been touting since June. That means users will have to download the software features over time as they become available during the coming weeks and months.

Apple releases AI software for a smarter Siri on the iPhone 16

Apple is accelerating the rollout of a software update that will implant artificial intelligence into its virtual assistant Siri and automate a variety of tedious tasks to coincide with the release of its latest iPhone. The free update enabling the first set of features in Apple's suite of artificial intelligence became available Thursday -- about two weeks ahead of the October release that Apple projected earlier this month when it unveiled the iPhone 16. Apple didn't say why its artificial intelligence software is coming out ahead of its original schedule, but the technology is a marquee attraction in the four iPhone 16 models arriving in stores Friday. All iPhone 16 models, with starting prices ranging from $800 to $1,200, are equipped with a special processor required for the new technology, which the company is marketing as "Apple Intelligence." That branding is part of an effort to distinguish the iPhone's AI from similar technology already available in smartphones released earlier this year by Samsung and Google. The AI technology is coming out in U.S. English only for now, but will expand into localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. in December. Apple plans to expand into other languages and countries next year. Once the iOS 18.1 upgrade is installed, the often bumbling Siri is supposed to become more conversational, versatile and colorful, with a glowing light that will rotate around the iPhone's screen as it responds to requests. While Apple is promising Siri will be able to perform more tasks and be less prone to becoming confused, it won't be able to interact with other apps installed on the iPhone until another software update comes out at a still-unspecified date. Other AI features in the software update will handle a variety of writing and proofreading tasks, summarize the content of emails and other documents. The AI also will provide a variety of editing tools to alter the appearance of photos and make it easier to find old pictures. But the update doesn't include other AI tricks still to come, such as the ability to create customized emojis on the fly or conjure other fanciful imagery upon request. Apple also plans to eventually enable its AI suite to get a helping hand from OpenAI's ChatGPT when users want it. Besides the new iPhone model, Apple's AI features also will work in two premium versions of the iPhone 15 after the software update to the recently released iOS 18 is installed. That's because both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max also came with the computer chip needed to power the new AI. The update will also bring the ability to record spatial video on those two iPhone 15 models that can be watched on Apple's $3,500 Vision Pro headset. But the AI won't work on hundreds of millions of other iPhones, a drawback that investors are betting will juice Apple's recently slumping sales of the ubiquitous device. That expectation is the main reason that Apple's stock price has climbed by more than 15% since the company previewed its AI strategy in June, creating $500 billion in shareholder wealth. Some analysts believe the demand for new iPhones could propel Apple's market value above $4 trillion for the first time within the next year.

Apple releases AI software for a smarter Siri on the iPhone 16

Apple is accelerating the rollout of a software update that will implant artificial intelligence into its virtual assistant Siri and automate a variety of tedious tasks to coincide with the release of its latest iPhone. The free update enabling the first set of features in Apple's suite of artificial intelligence became available Thursday -- about two weeks ahead of the October release that Apple projected earlier this month when it unveiled the iPhone 16. Apple didn't say why its artificial intelligence software is coming out ahead of its original schedule, but the technology is a marquee attraction in the four iPhone 16 models arriving in stores Friday. All iPhone 16 models, with starting prices ranging from $800 to $1,200, are equipped with a special processor required for the new technology, which the company is marketing as "Apple Intelligence." That branding is part of an effort to distinguish the iPhone's AI from similar technology already available in smartphones released earlier this year by Samsung and Google. The AI technology is coming out in U.S. English only for now, but will expand into localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. in December. Apple plans to expand into other languages and countries next year. Once the iOS 18.1 upgrade is installed, the often bumbling Siri is supposed to become more conversational, versatile and colorful, with a glowing light that will rotate around the iPhone's screen as it responds to requests. While Apple is promising Siri will be able to perform more tasks and be less prone to becoming confused, it won't be able to interact with other apps installed on the iPhone until another software update comes out at a still-unspecified date. Other AI features in the software update will handle a variety of writing and proofreading tasks, summarize the content of emails and other documents. The AI also will provide a variety of editing tools to alter the appearance of photos and make it easier to find old pictures. But the update doesn't include other AI tricks still to come, such as the ability to create customized emojis on the fly or conjure other fanciful imagery upon request. Apple also plans to eventually enable its AI suite to get a helping hand from OpenAI's ChatGPT when users want it. Besides the new iPhone model, Apple's AI features also will work in two premium versions of the iPhone 15 after the software update to the recently released iOS 18 is installed. That's because both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max also came with the computer chip needed to power the new AI. The update will also bring the ability to record spatial video on those two iPhone 15 models that can be watched on Apple's $3,500 Vision Pro headset. But the AI won't work on hundreds of millions of other iPhones, a drawback that investors are betting will juice Apple's recently slumping sales of the ubiquitous device. That expectation is the main reason that Apple's stock price has climbed by more than 15% since the company previewed its AI strategy in June, creating $500 billion in shareholder wealth. Some analysts believe the demand for new iPhones could propel Apple's market value above $4 trillion for the first time within the next year.

Apple releases AI software for a smarter Siri on the iPhone 16

Apple is accelerating the rollout of a software update that will implant artificial intelligence into its virtual assistant Siri and automate a variety of tedious tasks to coincide with the release of its latest iPhone. The free update enabling the first set of features in Apple's suite of artificial intelligence became available Thursday -- about two weeks ahead of the October release that Apple projected earlier this month when it unveiled the iPhone 16. Apple didn't say why its artificial intelligence software is coming out ahead of its original schedule, but the technology is a marquee attraction in the four iPhone 16 models arriving in stores Friday. All iPhone 16 models, with starting prices ranging from $800 to $1,200, are equipped with a special processor required for the new technology, which the company is marketing as "Apple Intelligence." That branding is part of an effort to distinguish the iPhone's AI from similar technology already available in smartphones released earlier this year by Samsung and Google. The AI technology is coming out in U.S. English only for now, but will expand into localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. in December. Apple plans to expand into other languages and countries next year. Once the iOS 18.1 upgrade is installed, the often bumbling Siri is supposed to become more conversational, versatile and colorful, with a glowing light that will rotate around the iPhone's screen as it responds to requests. While Apple is promising Siri will be able to perform more tasks and be less prone to becoming confused, it won't be able to interact with other apps installed on the iPhone until another software update comes out at a still-unspecified date. Other AI features in the software update will handle a variety of writing and proofreading tasks, summarize the content of emails and other documents. The AI also will provide a variety of editing tools to alter the appearance of photos and make it easier to find old pictures. But the update doesn't include other AI tricks still to come, such as the ability to create customized emojis on the fly or conjure other fanciful imagery upon request. Apple also plans to eventually enable its AI suite to get a helping hand from OpenAI's ChatGPT when users want it. Besides the new iPhone model, Apple's AI features also will work in two premium versions of the iPhone 15 after the software update to the recently released iOS 18 is installed. That's because both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max also came with the computer chip needed to power the new AI. The update will also bring the ability to record spatial video on those two iPhone 15 models that can be watched on Apple's $3,500 Vision Pro headset. But the AI won't work on hundreds of millions of other iPhones, a drawback that investors are betting will juice Apple's recently slumping sales of the ubiquitous device. That expectation is the main reason that Apple's stock price has climbed by more than 15% since the company previewed its AI strategy in June, creating $500 billion in shareholder wealth. Some analysts believe the demand for new iPhones could propel Apple's market value above $4 trillion for the first time within the next year.

Apple Releases AI Software for a Smarter Siri on the IPhone 16

Apple is accelerating the rollout of a software update that will implant artificial intelligence into its virtual assistant Siri and automate a variety of tedious tasks to coincide with the release of its latest iPhone. The free update enabling the first set of features in Apple's suite of artificial intelligence became available Thursday -- about two weeks ahead of the October release that Apple projected earlier this month when it unveiled the iPhone 16. Apple didn't say why its artificial intelligence software is coming out ahead of its original schedule, but the technology is a marquee attraction in the four iPhone 16 models arriving in stores Friday. All iPhone 16 models, with starting prices ranging from $800 to $1,200, are equipped with a special processor required for the new technology, which the company is marketing as "Apple Intelligence." That branding is part of an effort to distinguish the iPhone's AI from similar technology already available in smartphones released earlier this year by Samsung and Google. The AI technology is coming out in U.S. English only for now, but will expand into localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. in December. Apple plans to expand into other languages and countries next year. Once the iOS 18.1 upgrade is installed, the often bumbling Siri is supposed to become more conversational, versatile and colorful, with a glowing light that will rotate around the iPhone's screen as it responds to requests. While Apple is promising Siri will be able to perform more tasks and be less prone to becoming confused, it won't be able to interact with other apps installed on the iPhone until another software update comes out at a still-unspecified date. Other AI features in the software update will handle a variety of writing and proofreading tasks, summarize the content of emails and other documents. The AI also will provide a variety of editing tools to alter the appearance of photos and make it easier to find old pictures. But the update doesn't include other AI tricks still to come, such as the ability to create customized emojis on the fly or conjure other fanciful imagery upon request. Apple also plans to eventually enable its AI suite to get a helping hand from OpenAI's ChatGPT when users want it. Besides the new iPhone model, Apple's AI features also will work in two premium versions of the iPhone 15 after the software update to the recently released iOS 18 is installed. That's because both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max also came with the computer chip needed to power the new AI. The update will also bring the ability to record spatial video on those two iPhone 15 models that can be watched on Apple's $3,500 Vision Pro headset. But the AI won't work on hundreds of millions of other iPhones, a drawback that investors are betting will juice Apple's recently slumping sales of the ubiquitous device. That expectation is the main reason that Apple's stock price has climbed by more than 15% since the company previewed its AI strategy in June, creating $500 billion in shareholder wealth. Some analysts believe the demand for new iPhones could propel Apple's market value above $4 trillion for the first time within the next year. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Apple begins testing AI software designed to bring a smarter Siri to the iPhone 16

Apple is giving more people the chance to test a software update that will implant artificial intelligence into its virtual assistant Siri and automate a variety of tedious tasks on the latest iPhone coming out Friday Apple is giving more people the chance to test a software update that will implant artificial intelligence into its virtual assistant Siri and automate a variety of tedious tasks on the latest iPhone coming out Friday. The free update was made available Thursday to an audience that has signed up to test Apple's software before it's released to all iPhone owners next month. As of Thursday, only two premium iPhones that came out last year contain the souped-up processor required to power the AI features included in the update, but that will change Friday when four new iPhone 16 models reach store shelves. All the iPhone 16 models, with starting prices ranging from $800 to $1,200, are equipped to handle the new technology, which the company is marketing as "Apple Intelligence." That branding is part of an effort to distinguish the iPhone's AI from similar technology already available in smartphones released earlier this year by Samsung and Google. The AI features are being promoted as one of the main reasons to buy an iPhone 16, so releasing a test version of the software powering the technology now may prod more consumers to splurge on one of the new models as soon as possible The AI technology is coming out in U.S. English only for now, but will expand into localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. in December. Apple plans to expand into other languages and countries next year. The testing of the AI software is beginning just a few days after Apple released its latest mobile operating system, iOS 18, to all its earlier iPhones. Once the iOS 18.1 upgrade is installed, the often bumbling Siri is supposed to become more conversational, versatile and colorful, with a glowing light that will rotate around the iPhone's screen as it responds to requests. While Apple is promising Siri will be able to perform more tasks and be less prone to becoming confused, it won't be able to interact with other apps installed on the iPhone until another software update comes out at a still-unspecified date. Other AI features in the software update will handle a variety of writing and proofreading tasks, summarize the content of emails and other documents. The AI also will provide a variety of editing tools to alter the appearance of photos and make it easier to find old pictures. But the initial update doesn't include other AI tricks still to come, such as the ability to create customized emojis on the fly or conjure other fanciful imagery upon request. Apple also plans to eventually enable its AI suite to get a helping hand from OpenAI's ChatGPT when users want it. Besides the new iPhone model, Apple's AI features also will work last year's iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max because they have the special computer chip that's required. The update will also bring the ability to record spatial video on those two iPhone 15 models that can be watched on Apple's $3,500 Vision Pro headset. But the AI won't work on hundreds of millions of other iPhones that are still in use, a drawback that investors are betting will juice Apple's recently slumping sales of the ubiquitous device. That expectation is the main reason that Apple's stock price has climbed by more than 15% since the company previewed its AI strategy in June, creating $500 billion in shareholder wealth. Some analysts believe the demand for new iPhones could propel Apple's market value above $4 trillion for the first time within the next year.

You can buy your Apple iPhone 16 now but without these most awaited features

Read more: Private data of millions of Indian top insurer Star Health's customers up for sale Apple has already marketed its AI features heavily owing to which the company faces a challenge as some consumers may hold off on buying the new phones if they can't enjoy the benefits right away. The new iPhone hardware has only modest upgrades from prior models like the touch-sensitive Camera Control button that makes it easier to take pictures and videos. The new iPhone lineup includes two standard models -- the 16 and 16 Plus -- as well as the higher-end Pro and Pro Max. Preorders of the devices began last week. The initial units going on sale will run iOS 18 operating system but Apple Intelligence will require an over-the-air update to the iOS 18.1 software, which will launch in October. Read more: India to be third largest economy by 2030-31; grow 6.7% per annum: S&P Global Apple Intelligence was announced in June at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference and has been available in a limited beta test for developers for the past several weeks.

Apple begins testing AI software for Siri

AP - Apple is giving more people the chance to test a software update that will implant artificial intelligence into its virtual assistant Siri and automate a variety of tedious tasks on the latest iPhone coming out Friday. The free update was made available Thursday to an audience that has signed up to test Apple's software before it's released to all iPhone owners next month. As of Thursday, only two premium iPhones that came out last year contain the souped-up processor required to power the AI features included in the update, but that will change Friday when four new iPhone 16 models reach store shelves. All the iPhone 16 models, with starting prices ranging from USD800 to USD1,200, are equipped to handle the new technology, which the company is marketing as "Apple Intelligence." That branding is part of an effort to distinguish the iPhone's AI from similar technology already available in smartphones released earlier this year by Samsung and Google. The AI features are being promoted as one of the main reasons to buy an iPhone 16, so releasing a test version of the software powering the technology now may prod more consumers to splurge on one of the new models as soon as possible. The AI technology is coming out in US English only for now, but will expand into localised English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK in December. Apple plans to expand into other languages and countries next year. The testing of the AI software is beginning just a few days after Apple released its latest mobile operating system, iOS 18, to all its earlier iPhones. Once the iOS 18.1 upgrade is installed, the often bumbling Siri is supposed to become more conversational, versatile and colourful, with a glowing light that will rotate around the iPhone's screen as it responds to requests. While Apple is promising Siri will be able to perform more tasks and be less prone to becoming confused, it won't be able to interact with other apps installed on the iPhone until another software update comes out at a still-unspecified date. Other AI features in the software update will handle a variety of writing and proofreading tasks, summarise the content of emails and other documents. The AI also will provide a variety of editing tools to alter the appearance of photos and make it easier to find old pictures. But the initial update doesn't include other AI tricks still to come, such as the ability to create customised emojis on the fly or conjure other fanciful imagery upon request. Apple also plans to eventually enable its AI suite to get a helping hand from OpenAI's ChatGPT when users want it. Besides the new iPhone model, Apple's AI features also will work last year's iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max because they have the special computer chip that's required. The update will also bring the ability to record spatial video on those two iPhone 15 models that can be watched on Apple's $3,500 Vision Pro headset. But the AI won't work on hundreds of millions of other iPhones that are still in use, a drawback that investors are betting will juice Apple's recently slumping sales of the ubiquitous device. That expectation is the main reason that Apple's stock price has climbed by more than 15% since the company previewed its AI strategy in June, creating USD500 billion in shareholder wealth. Some analysts believe the demand for new iPhones could propel Apple's market value above USD4 trillion for the first time within the next year.

Is Siri getting a smarter brain? Apple begins testing AI software designed to bring a smarter Siri to the iPhone 16 | Mint

Apple is poised to revolutionise its virtual assistant, Siri, with the integration of advanced artificial intelligence. Apple is expanding access to a new software update that integrates artificial intelligence into its virtual assistant Siri, automating various tasks on the upcoming iPhone 16, set to be released on Friday. The update, which became available on Thursday to users testing Apple's software, is expected to roll out to all iPhone owners next month. Currently, only two premium iPhones released last year have the advanced processor required to support the AI-powered features in the update, but that will change with the launch of four new iPhone 16 models. Apple is promoting these AI capabilities as a key selling point for the iPhone 16, and the early release of the test version could potentially encourage consumers to purchase the new models. Initially, the AI technology will only be available in U.S. English, with plans to expand to localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK by December. Further language support and expansion into more countries are expected in 2024. The AI software testing follows the release of iOS 18, Apple's latest mobile operating system. With the iOS 18.1 upgrade, Siri is expected to become more conversational and visually dynamic, featuring a rotating glowing light on the screen when responding to requests. While Apple promises improvements in Siri's ability to perform tasks and reduce confusion, full integration with other apps won't be available until a future update, with no set release date. The AI features will also assist with writing and proofreading tasks, summarizing emails and documents, and offering photo-editing tools. However, some features, such as the ability to create custom emojis or generate imaginative images, are not yet included in the initial update. Apple also plans to integrate OpenAI's ChatGPT for added functionality. Apple's AI features will be compatible with last year's iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max due to their advanced chips. The update will also introduce spatial video recording on these models, which can be viewed using Apple's $3,500 Vision Pro headset. However, the AI capabilities won't be available on many older iPhones still in use, a limitation that investors expect could drive up demand for the new models. This optimism has contributed to Apple's stock rising by more than 15% since the company unveiled its AI strategy in June, adding $500 billion to its market value. Analysts predict this surge in demand could push Apple's market valuation above $4 trillion within the next year.

Apple begins testing AI software to bring a smarter Siri to iPhone 16

The free update was made available Thursday to an audience that has signed up to test Apple's software before it's released to all iPhone owners next month. As of Thursday, only two premium iPhones that came out last year contain the souped-up processor required to power the AI features included in the update, but that will change Friday when four new iPhone 16 models reach store shelves.