AI is today ’s buzzword . And if you have an iPhone , Apple Intelligence is buzzing all over . The iPhone 16 is the first phone work up with Apple Intelligence in brain , and whether you ’re corrupt one this week or not , it ’s punishing to escape it .
Back in June , when Apple preview its AI suite coming to compatible devices next month I was confident that the company would hold exclusive Apple Intelligence sport for theiPhone 16 . After all , the ever - expatiate Google Pixel line just unveiled a short ton of AI feature that are surely invoke to certain iOS user , so I expected Apple would for sure have some exclusive AI tricks up its arm to keep them from jumping ship . Boy , was I wrong .
Nothing new
If you ’re looking for a comprehensive leaning of exclusive iPhone 16 AI perquisite , there ’s just one : Visual Intelligence . The prick , which wo n’t be available at launch like the residuum ofApple Intelligence , is activated using the new Camera Control push button to let user to scan an object or stead to take a relevant military action or learn more about it .
For example , you could point your iPhone 16 ’s camera at a dog to key its breed . Similarly , you could check a eating place ’s OpenTable heel after scanning its sign , or supply an outcome to your calendar establish on a concert poster ’s details . There ’s also an integrated math - resolve utility program that relies on ChatGPT ’s smarts to help students with their assignments .
While Visual Intelligence is undoubtedly a welcome improver , it ’s too underwhelming compared to rivaling ship’s company ’ progress in the AI section . Google Lens operates likewise and has existed on all relevant smartphones for years . In fact , iPhone 15 Pro user can already map the action at law button to set off the feature if they ’ve installed the prescribed Google app . So , Apple cloning and offer it as the sole undivided AI feature is dissatisfactory — to say the least .
Apple Intelligence is built into the iPhone 16—but most of the features won’t be available until next year.
Apple Intelligence is make into the iPhone 16 — but most of the feature wo n’t be available until next year .
YouTube / Apple
A tale of two intelligences
Perhaps the most pregnant difference between Google ’s and Apple ’s philosophies is , to apply one of Apple ’s iconic password , courageousness . The former company is infamous for developing and putting out all sorting of crazy feature , then randomly kill them — presumptively based on home metric unit . Google is n’t necessarily afraid of releasing a spoiled product . It render , adapts consequently , and moves on when it demand to .
Apple , on the other hand , has a repute to assert . The firm is known for running all-embracing experiments internally rather than using its user base as alpha testers . As a result , it typically add up up with true solution that are either tardy or absent when juxtaposed with those of other brands . They tend to be mild and unchanging , however , and iPhone users treasure that . But with Apple Intelligence , it seemed like Apple was willing to take opportunity to catch up with Google and Samsung , starting with the iPhone 16 .
The Pixel feels more like an AI phone than the iPhone 16 .
Apple Intelligence is built into the iPhone 16—but most of the features won’t be available until next year.
Beyond medium - related lineament , the recent Google Pixel phone can also do some neat task using AI . These include answering the phone and respond to call on users ’ behalf , having more natural conversations with Gemini , and so on . It really feels like a rightful AI smartphone rather than a smartphone with a sprinkle of perfunctory AI on top .
Apple Intelligence is n’t AI - nough
The Pixel feels more like an AI phone than the iPhone 16.
All of this is n’t to say Apple Intelligence is n’t a cracking commencement . Writing Tools in theiOS 18.1 betahas been proof my article for workweek now . And AI on the iPhone also skillfully summarizes notifications , emails , messages , and articles on the web , all utile features that perfectly complement my textbook - based workflows , and most of them work offline .
It ’s also deserving noting that Apple Intelligence is free , while some of Google ’s AI features require a Gemini Advanced subscription ( or will once the Pixel 9 good will time period runs out ) . In Google ’s defense mechanism , though , analysts advise that Apple could set out charging for new AI features as well in a few years , once its merchandise matures . And given the complexness of Google ’s current AI features , the fee is arguably justified and plenitude of Gemini ’s bully feature are free .
The Pixel 9 is loaded with useful AI feature .
The Pixel 9 is loaded with useful AI features.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Apart from Apple Intelligence being significantly less intelligent than its Google vis-a-vis , the full feature go under wo n’t debut until mid-2025 . So , while Apple is already advertising the smarter Siri that can pull user data from apps , the characteristic wo n’t in reality arrive until next class . In fact , iPhone 16 users wo n’t get any Apple Intelligence feature article before next calendar month , with the most exciting image - multiplication feature film add up after that . Google ’s Pixel feature are all available now .
Apple is assay to sell a promise for an iPhone that is objectively less sophisticated than its present rivals , and that ’s not a in force tone . It ’s all symptoms of beat to keep up with the tight - pace AI airstream . The companionship has been bluster about Siri ’s improved smarting at event every few years , and yet it still go forward to run out at executing the most basic labor on my end . What secure the upcoming Siri wo n’t be as defective ?
Apple had a opportunity to put Google and the remainder of the AI earth on notice with the iPhone 16 . alternatively , it only showed how much Apple Intelligence still needs to learn .
