Apple is letting more people test its new software that adds artificial intelligence (AI) to Siri, its virtual assistant. This update will make Siri smarter and automate many tasks on the iPhone 16, which will be released on Friday.
The software was made available on Thursday to people who signed up to test it before it’s released to all iPhone users next month. Right now, only last year’s premium iPhones can run the AI features, but all iPhone 16 models coming out this Friday will have the new technology, called “Apple Intelligence.”
These AI features are one of the main reasons to buy the iPhone 16, which starts at $800. Apple is highlighting how its AI is different from what Samsung and Google phones offer.
For now, the AI technology is only available in U.S. English, but it will expand to more English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, and the U.K. in December. Other languages will be added next year. This testing comes right after Apple released iOS 18, its latest mobile operating system, to older iPhones.
With the iOS 18.1 update, Siri will become more conversational and able to perform more tasks. It will also have a glowing light that moves around the screen when it responds. However, Siri won’t be able to interact with other apps until a future update.
Other AI features in the update will help with writing, editing, summarizing emails, and improving photos. More AI tools, like creating custom emojis, will be added later. Eventually, Siri’s AI might work with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Besides the iPhone 16, these AI features will also work on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, millions of older iPhones won’t support the new AI features.
Investors are optimistic about Apple’s new AI strategy, with the company’s stock price rising 15% since June. Some analysts believe Apple’s market value could surpass $4 trillion soon.
Source: abcnews
