Apple showcased its annual launch event on Tuesday as “awe-inspiring.” However, amidst the introduction of new models of AirPods, iPhones, and smartwatches, what caught attention was the minimal discussion on artificial intelligence by Apple CEO Tim Cook.
The event unveiled enhancements to some of the tech giant’s popular products, with a notable emphasis on health and fitness features. This included heart-rate sensing technology in AirPods Pro 3 and new health functions in the Apple Watch, such as the ability to identify patterns in blood vessel behavior indicating hypertension.
Cook highlighted the life-saving capabilities of the Apple Watch, showcasing testimonials from users who claimed the technology helped them avoid health emergencies, although no specific data was shared on these incidents.
Despite the tech industry’s current AI obsession, the lack of clarity on Apple’s AI integration plans raises questions about the company’s long-term strategy in this area. Apple has a suite of features under Apple Intelligence, initially introduced in late 2024 and recently expanded. This includes live translation, visual intelligence to identify objects through the camera, and the ability to generate unique images with ChatGPT.
While users can benefit from these features, much of it relies on third-party programs, sparking concerns about Apple falling behind in AI advancements. The company faces criticism for lagging in AI compared to competitors but has the potential to catch up if it prioritizes this area.
As major players in the tech sector move towards developing their own AI integrated with hardware, Apple’s reliance on external programs like ChatGPT raises eyebrows. Google, for instance, is incorporating its Gemini AI into various devices, while OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is venturing into hardware with a reported partnership with Jony Ive.
The convergence of hardware and software aims to provide a personalized user experience, raising both excitement and privacy apprehensions. Apple has emphasized user privacy in its Apple Intelligence offerings while considering partnerships with other AI platforms like Google’s Gemini or Anthropic’s Claude.
Amid the growing focus on AI, there are discussions on the possibility of an AI bubble as signs indicate a softening in AI adoption. This shift may prompt a reevaluation of the rush to integrate AI into various technologies.
