Let’s take a moment and talk about autocorrect. Yes, that pesky little software we love to hate. But what if I told you it’s about to get smarter, thanks to artificial intelligence? That’s right, Apple’s latest update promises to bring a new era of autocorrect, capable of understanding the context of a word in a sentence. No longer will you have to worry about sending a message about “consolation” when you meant “consolidation”.
The AI Upgrade
This is just one of the subtle improvements Apple is introducing to the iPhone user experience. But let’s not ignore the elephant in the room, Apple’s unusual silence around AI. The tech giant has been using more technical language like “machine learning” or “transformer language model”. So, if you’ve been wondering if Apple is lagging behind in the AI race, you’re not alone.
But let’s be real here. While tools like ChatGPT can churn out decent business proposals, Siri seems content with setting your morning alarm. But don’t be fooled by the silence, Apple is making small yet significant strides in AI, marking a potential future for the technology.
The AI Divide
High-profile tech leaders have not been shy about AI’s potential, both for good and evil. AI has been labeled as the “most amazing tool yet created” and “the most important advance in technology since the graphical user interface”. But amidst the high praise and future predictions, Apple seems to be playing a different game.
Autocorrect 2.0
The new autocorrect feature, slated to be part of an upcoming iOS update, promises to be a less powerful, but more personalized version of ChatGPT, right in your pocket. Apple claims the software will be better at understanding how we type and predicting our next words and phrases. The technical details remain unclear, but it seems that researchers are actively working on shrinking large language models to fit mobile devices.
The Apple Approach
John Gruber, a renowned Apple follower, suggests that Apple’s approach focuses on what a feature does rather than how it achieves it. This focus on user experience is deeply ingrained in Apple’s DNA. The company’s commitment to user privacy is also evident in their ‘on device’ model for AI, potentially posing less privacy risk than large cloud-based models.
The Business of AI
Different tech companies have different approaches to AI, largely driven by their business models. While companies like Google and Meta see AI-powered chatbots as another avenue for ads, Apple focuses on enhancing user experience. But let’s be clear, Apple is not shying away from AI, they’re just doing it their own way.
The Future of AI
It’s no secret that chatbots have limitations. They often make things up, have biases, and can be a copyright nightmare. Despite these challenges, small technical improvements can add up to big changes. The majority of smartphones in the U.S. are now iPhones, and with more than 2 billion active devices worldwide, even small AI improvements can have a big impact.
The future of AI may not just be about human-like chatbots taking over everything. It could be about subtle, yet impactful improvements that change our everyday lives. So, the next time Siri sets your alarm, remember, she might just be getting smarter.
