As WWDC approaches in June, there is growing interest in new systems such as iOS 18.
If nothing else, the new changes in AI will be the highlight of Apple's WWDC this year.
Up to now, we have a simple understanding of the AI model that will be launched in iOS 18 from various revelations from the outside world.
There are various indications that Apple's first batch of AI functions will most likely be based on offline operation on the device side, rather than the mainstream cloud AI model at this stage.
Recently, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman gave us an update on Apple's progress in AI in the latest episode of the Power On newsletter.
Let's take a look.
Mark Gurman said that Apple recently confirmed its internal plans to develop its own AI model, and it is expected that the AI features that will debut in iOS 18 will be fully powered by offline language models.
图片来源:newsiPhone
Compared with cloud-based AI models, the biggest advantage of running AI models offline on the device is efficiency and security.
Especially when dealing with the daily operation needs of some users, AI models running offline on the device are often more handy.
At the same time, this is also in line with Apple's emphasis on privacy and security, and the AI model running through the device will not upload the relevant data to the server, but will remain locally.
If the news is true, these benefits will also be one of the highlights of Apple's promotion at this year's WWDC.
In terms of the research and development of cloud AI models, Apple's related layout plans are also being carried out in an orderly manner, including the well-known "money ability".
That is, through the continuous acquisition of AI technology companies, to provide technical support for the research and development of its own AI models.
According to a recent report by foreign media 9to5Mac, Apple has finalized a plan to acquire Datakalab, which will be completed in December this year.
Image source: 9to5mac
It is understood that Datakalab is a technology company based in Paris, France, specializing in artificial intelligence compression and computer vision technology, and has a reputation as an "expert in efficient deep learning algorithms" in the industry.
Looking at Datakalab's history, the company worked with the French government during the 2020 pandemic to deploy artificial intelligence tools in the Paris transportation system to check citizens' mask wear.
At the same time, Datakala has also worked with other well-known companies such as Disney, which is also focused on providing technical support.
In addition, Apple recently partnered with Shutterstock, a well-known image website, to obtain the licensing of millions of images, worth $25 million to $50 million (about 180 million to 360 million yuan).
According to Reuters, Apple plans to train its AI model with these images to enhance the processing and computing power of its large model.
Image source: IT House
Of course, all of this will take time, and there is a high probability that we will not be able to use Apple's own cloud-based AI model in the short term.
But in any case, judging from the current mainstream leaks, iOS 18 will bring major updates in terms of features, which can basically be confirmed in advance.
After all, in recent iOS updates, everyone has been quite tired of Apple's "toothpaste" updates in terms of new features.
This time, maybe Apple's toothpaste is really going to be "crowded".
Are you looking forward to the new AI features in iOS 18?
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