Apple made a significant move into the artificial intelligence sector on Monday with the introduction of its new iPhone 16 lineup. This launch represents the company’s latest effort to capitalize on a growing technological trend and transform it into a mainstream phenomenon.
The four iPhone 16 models are equipped with specialized chips designed to support a range of AI tools. Apple aims to enhance its flagship product’s appeal and address a recent decline in sales.
The new AI capabilities are expected to enhance Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, making it more intelligent and versatile. Additionally, the tools will automate routine tasks and offer features like the rapid creation of personalized emojis.
During the announcement event, Apple CEO Tim Cook received a warm welcome and asserted that the AI advancements will introduce innovations that significantly impact daily life.
However, these new AI functionalities will not be immediately available when the iPhones become available on September 20, with prices ranging from $800 to $1,200. Many AI features will be introduced through a free software update to iOS 18, which will be available for the iPhone 16 models starting in October. The initial launch will support U.S. English, with plans to introduce other languages in the following year.
This strategy follows a recent trend where Apple aims to create excitement for the upcoming iPhone generation amid a rare slowdown in sales.
In the months since Apple’s developers conference in June, competitors like Samsung and Google have made significant advancements in AI. This technology is anticipated to bring substantial changes to computing, comparable to the impact of the first iPhone launched 17 years ago.
Apple is striving to replicate its success in making smartphones an essential part of modern life with its new entry into artificial intelligence. The technology integrated into the iPhone 16 is branded as “Apple Intelligence,” though many features reflect those already found in recent Samsung and Google models.
Analyst Paolo Pescatore from PP Foresight noted that while Apple could have delayed the release for further development, the encouraging uptake of AI-powered devices from competitors prompted the company to enter the market now.
In its AI development, Apple continues to emphasize privacy, aiming for most AI processes to occur on the device itself rather than relying on external data centers. When necessary, connections to data centers will be managed in a way that protects users’ personal information.
Though Apple’s approach reduces the risk of data misuse, it does not eliminate all security concerns, as devices can still be vulnerable to theft or hacking.
To offer users additional AI capabilities, Apple is partnering with OpenAI, providing access to the ChatGPT chatbot for more complex tasks.
The new chip necessary for the AI features will only be found in the iPhone 16 models and certain high-end iPhone 15 models from the previous year, meaning consumers interested in these AI tools will likely need to purchase one of the new devices. This aspect is expected to drive demand during the upcoming holiday season.
The anticipation of increased sales has contributed to a rise in Apple’s stock price, which has seen over a 10% increase since the June developers conference. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives expressed confidence in the potential of the new AI iPhones, suggesting they could help Apple surpass a market value of $4 trillion next year, which represents an estimated 20% increase from current stock prices.
In addition to the iPhones, Apple unveiled a new smartwatch equipped with features to detect sleep apnea and introduced the next generation of its AirPods Pro, which will soon function as hearing aids with a software update.