iPhone 16 of Apple launches a new era of genAI, enhancing user interaction and enhancing functionality across its devices.

Apple has finally embraced GenAI with the iPhone 16, signaling a major shift in the tech giant’s strategy. At the “It’s Glowtime” event, Apple unveiled this smartphone designed specifically around GenAI, along with other AI-enhanced products like AirPods and smartwatches. This move aims to regain Apple’s edge in the competitive market where it has lagged in AI adoption compared to rivals.

The iPhone 16 features Apple Intelligence, an AI system capable of understanding and generating language and images. The A18 chip is central to this upgrade, featuring a GPU that is 40% faster and 35% more efficient than its predecessor, enabling it to run large language models directly on the device. This integration promises smoother GenAI-powered experiences, such as on-device decision-making, personalized content creation, and real-time contextual assistance without relying solely on cloud processing.

One standout feature is the new ‘Visual Intelligence’ capability, which uses the camera to provide instant insights about objects and places. Users can point their camera at a landmark, for instance, and instantly receive information such as ratings of nearby restaurants or historical details. This taps into GenAI’s potential to offer a seamless, informative, and highly interactive experience that aligns with user contexts, enhancing the way users engage with their environment.

Beyond the iPhone 16, the GenAI strategy of Apple extends to other devices. The new AirPods Pro 2 use AI to function as clinical-grade hearing aids, analyzing users’ hearing and adjusting sound profiles across Apple devices. Additionally, Apple’s latest smartwatch models incorporate GenAI to monitor health conditions such as sleep apnea. This proactive health feature tracks respiratory patterns and alerts users to potential sleep disorders, showcasing GenAI’s impact on personal health monitoring.