Apple is set to publicly release the latest operating system versions for its devices next week, including iOS 18.1 for iPhones, iPadOS 18.1 for iPads, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 for Macs. Most rumors suggest that the launch will occur on Monday, October 28.
This will mark the first public rollout of Apple’s generative AI products since they were announced at the WWDC global developer conference in June, following the company's entry into the AI space.
The initial AI features available to regular users will include a writing tool for summarizing and rewriting text integrated into applications, AI image cleanup for photos, summary features for articles and notifications, and an updated Siri typing input experience.
Additionally, Apple has released developer versions of future operating system updates: iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2, which will include more advanced AI features such as smart emojis (Genmoji), image generation (Image Playground), visual intelligence, an image transformation tool (Image Wand), and user queries integrated with ChatGPT.
Tech site 9to5mac reports that iOS 18.2 will bring Apple Intelligence support to more regions, allowing users in various English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK to access AI features without changing their system language settings.
This means that as early as the end of this year, English-speaking users may experience the latest AI functionalities integrated with ChatGPT.
According to multiple sources, after downloading the software update, users will need to select the use of Apple Intelligence during the initial setup. However, only higher-end hardware will support the generative AI features, such as the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, all iPhone 16 models, iPads equipped with the A17 Pro chip (including the new iPad Mini), and Macs with the M1 chip or higher.
Some analysts suggest that the initial AI features being launched next week may not be compelling enough to prompt users to invest in new devices. Still, the next batch of AI functionalities in the developer beta may generate more excitement as they align better with the engaging descriptions from WWDC.
A well-known financial journalist tracking Apple stated on social media that if Apple had released iOS 18.2 with Apple Intelligence in September, the discussion around it would have been very different, as it represents a significant upgrade.
Apple has indicated that Siri will automatically detect when it needs to call on ChatGPT for assistance with complex queries, obtaining user consent before each interaction with ChatGPT.
Users will not need a ChatGPT account to access the platform, although those without an account will face certain restrictions on their queries. ChatGPT will also be integrated into Apple’s AI writing tool and used to generate images for selected apps.
Finally, Apple has stated that ChatGPT will not store user data or use it to train OpenAI models, and the company will help users hide their IP addresses when accessing ChatGPT. If users log into their ChatGPT accounts, their data will be protected under OpenAI's policies.