Apple’s latest software update introduces new AI capabilities, prompting many users to consider upgrading their devices ahead of the festive shopping season.
In a significant software update, Apple has launched its new Apple Intelligence tool, spurring many iPhone users to consider upgrading their devices. Available now with the iOS 18.2 update, the software equips users with advanced capabilities, enabling features like automated email drafting, image creation for social media, conversation summarisation, and photo retouching. This new functionality has been introduced several months following the release of the iPhone 16 series, which reports suggest has seen a heightened interest from consumers.
Apple’s latest software is only compatible with its newer models, including the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 series. Consequently, users with older models are now increasingly looking for competitive offers to switch to the newer devices. As the festive shopping season approaches, promotional deals from various retailers have emerged. For instance, mobile network EE has lowered the price of the 128GB iPhone 16 to £769, undercutting Apple’s own retail price of £799. Furthermore, shoppers can find enticing offers, such as Mobiles.co.uk providing complimentary AirPods Pro 4 with the purchase of an iPhone, while Argos and Currys are pricing the iPhone 15 Pro Max at a reduced rate of £1049, marking a £50 saving.
In light of these developments, tech experts are weighing in on the implications of the new software launch. Ernest Doku, a spokesman for Uswitch, remarked, “this is just the beginning,” alluding to an anticipated surge in AI features across upcoming phone models. As new entrants like Samsung’s Galaxy S24 and Google’s Pixel 9 also showcase AI capabilities, the competition in this space is predicted to intensify. Doku pointed out that there has been a notable increase in demand for the iPhone 16, particularly as features become available to early adopters who have altered their language settings to US English.
The Apple Intelligence tool boasts several improvements, notably an enhanced Siri that leverages ChatGPT for smarter responses and AI-driven image generation tools referred to as Genmoji. However, it is important to note that this feature set is limited exclusively to newer Apple devices, such as those with M1 chips or later. As a result, consumers with older iPhones, including the iPhone 14, may find themselves feeling out of date despite their devices being relatively recent.
As the AI race continues, consumers are urged to explore alternatives, with other brands like Samsung, OnePlus, and Google integrating AI enhancements into their offerings as well. According to experts, differentiating these products through innovative AI features will be crucial for competitive advantage as more brands enter the space.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121115 – Corroborates the introduction of Apple Intelligence features with iOS 18.2, including Genmoji, image creation tools, and enhanced Siri capabilities.
- https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iphone-16/ – Provides details on the iPhone 16 series, including compatibility with the latest software updates and new features like the Action button and Camera Control button.
- https://www.apple.com/iphone-16-pro/specs/ – Lists the technical specifications of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, which are compatible with the new Apple Intelligence tool.
- https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iphone-16/ – Mentions the increased interest in the iPhone 16 series following its release and the introduction of new features.
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121115 – Details the compatibility of Apple Intelligence features with newer Apple devices, such as those with M1 chips or later.
- https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iphone-16/ – Explains that older iPhone models, like the iPhone 14, are not compatible with the new Apple Intelligence features.
- https://www.apple.com/iphone-16-pro/specs/ – Highlights the advanced features and capabilities of the iPhone 16 series, which are enhanced by the Apple Intelligence tool.
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121115 – Describes the AI-driven features such as conversation summarization, photo retouching, and automated email drafting available with Apple Intelligence.
- https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/iphone-16/ – Discusses the promotional deals and pricing strategies for the iPhone 16 series, including offers from retailers like EE, Mobiles.co.uk, Argos, and Currys.
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/121115 – Mentions the integration of ChatGPT with Siri for smarter responses, a key feature of the Apple Intelligence tool.
