Apple's first AI features work on device without relying on cloud servers: report

Apple iOS 18 Leaks: Cupertino-based tech giant Apple is reportedly preparing to launch iOS 18 at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 in June. The iPhone maker is expected to offer a range of AI upgrades at the mega show. In a recent operating system update, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests that initial features will not rely on cloud-based processing.

Gurman shared his answer in the Q&A section of his latest Power On newsletter to the question: “To what extent will Apple's new AI feature rely on the cloud?” The journalist noted that AI capabilities (likely in iOS 18), which could see the light of day on June 10th, will probably run completely on the device.

Also Read: Apple iOS 18 Release Date Expectations: AI Features for Supported Devices, What to Expect from the Upcoming Update

“It looks like the first wave of features will work entirely on device” and there may be “no cloud processing component” in the company’s large language model (LLM). This LLM could support most of the new features. Gurman has previously reported that Apple could offer some cloud-based features using third-party LLMs.

Apple has reportedly been in talks with vendors including Google, ChatGPT maker OpenAI and China's Baidu about partnerships. According to MacRumors, the company could introduce chatbot functionality with any of these models on iOS 18. The company may add cloud-based AI capabilities in the past while the company continues to rely on AI servers.

Meanwhile, the upcoming iOS is expected to have generative AI capabilities in Spotlight Search, Safari web browser, Apple Music, Messages and other apps. iOS 18 could also include upgrades to the Siri voice assistant. These changes will bring Apple devices in line with competition from Android flagships like Samsung and Google.

Also Read: Apple's iOS 18 Debuts in May with Advanced Home Screen Customizations and AI Magic on Maps Too; Everything you need to know

In this context, Apple could also announce next-generation software for iPad, Apple Watch, Mac and Vision Pro at WWDC 2024. However, iOS 18 is being touted as the “biggest upgrade” in iPhone history. You can find out more about the expectations here Operating system here.