As 2025 approaches, Apple is stepping up its AI development efforts, with plans to close the gap between its Apple Intelligence and rivals like Google and OpenAI. While new AI-powered features are set to roll out in the coming months, some internal reports suggest Apple is currently lagging behind, especially in areas like voice assistant accuracy and generative AI responses.
According to a recent Bloomberg newsletter, Apple's Siri is reportedly 25% less accurate than ChatGPT in responding to user queries. Additionally, ChatGPT is capable of answering about 30% more questions compared to Siri. Despite these challenges, Apple has a strategy in place to regain momentum in the AI space throughout 2025.
Upcoming AI Features
Starting with iOS 18.1, which is expected by the end of October, Apple users will notice new AI capabilities. These include timely notifications, email and message summaries, and an advanced integration with ChatGPT for more complex queries. Features like generative emoji creation, Image Playground, and a significantly improved Siri are also slated for release in early 2025.
Apple is keen to emphasize the privacy and security of its AI, promoting the fact that much of its AI processing happens on-device rather than relying on external resources. Users will also be informed when external AI services like ChatGPT are involved and how their data is being used.
Hardware Requirements
The new Apple Intelligence features will be resource-intensive, and as a result, only devices equipped with the A17 or M1 chipsets and at least 8GB of RAM will support these advanced services. This means iPhone 15 Pro models and later, as well as upcoming iPads and Macs, will be essential for users who want to take advantage of the AI improvements.
Apple plans to launch the next iPhone SE and entry-level iPad models in 2025, both featuring A18 chips and at least 8GB of RAM, making them compatible with Apple Intelligence. The company aims to ensure that by early 2026, all new Macs, iPhones, and iPads will be ready for the latest AI-powered features.
Catching Up to Rivals
While Google and other competitors have already rolled out some features Apple is still working on, Apple is betting on its privacy-first approach and on-device processing as key differentiators. To close the gap with its rivals, Apple is reportedly investing heavily in AI development, acquiring promising tech companies, and hiring more engineers.
By focusing on new hardware, redesigned products, and advanced AI features, Apple hopes to entice users to upgrade to AI-ready devices in 2025 and beyond.
