In a bid to bridge the AI gap with tech rivals, Apple is set to unveil a transformative update to Xcode, its app development cornerstone, at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, Mark Gurman in the latest "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg declared.
While the Cupertino giant has faced scrutiny for lagging in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, insiders suggest that Apple's new features will debut as part of iOS 18.
This illustration photo shows the Apple app store logo reflected from an iPhone onto the back of an iMac in Los Angeles, August 26, 2021. - Apple has agreed to loosen payment restrictions on its App Store, a major change announced in a settlement with small developers as the US technology giant faces growing scrutiny and legal challenges over its tightly controlled online marketplace. The change will allow small developers to inform their customers of alternative payment options beyond the official App Store.
What's Next for Apple?
The tech giant's grand plan involves integrating AI capabilities across various facets of its ecosystem. AppleInsider tells us that core applications such as Pages and Keynote will be boosted with auto-summarizing and auto-complete tools, streamlining user interactions and enhancing productivity.
The music streaming experience on Apple Music is also in for an upgrade as the company explores using AI to automate playlist creation, promising a more personalized and seamless experience for users.
The same report notes that Siri, Apple's digital assistant, is in for a "big overhaul," promising a leap forward in its capabilities, though specifics on the extent of the changes are yet to be disclosed.
Apple aims to showcase these groundbreaking features as part of its iOS 18 release, positioning itself as a formidable player in the AI arena.
A Big Revamp for Xcode
Developers are not left out in the cold either, with an anticipated update to Xcode. This iteration is set to introduce AI tools that automatically complete code, making the app development process more efficient and user-friendly. Apple's commitment to empowering developers suggests a renewed focus on cultivating a robust app ecosystem.
Noteworthy is the potential impact on AppleCare, the company's customer support service. Sources indicate that an AI-based troubleshooting system is in the works, promising faster and more accurate issue resolution for Apple users. This move aligns with Apple's broader vision of infusing AI into various aspects of its services.
However, industry analysts warn that Apple's generative AI vision might not fully materialize until 2025, placing the company in a race against competitors who have already made significant strides in this domain.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman notes that Apple's timeline is notably delayed compared to industry benchmarks, with competitors like Samsung gearing up to launch AI-rich products imminently.
While Apple faces challenges in the hardware space, particularly with the Vision Pro mixed reality headset and concerns about existing product sales, the iPhone remains a steadfast revenue source, generating $150 to $200 billion annually.
The company's focus on consumer appeal and potential holiday hits like revamped Apple Watch and AirPods underscores its commitment to innovation.
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Yet, looming over Apple is the specter of regulatory challenges, notably the Digital Markets Act in Europe. In March, Apple will be compelled to split its App Store for EU users, potentially impacting revenue growth.
This move will likely be a precursor to similar actions in other regions, challenging Apple's dominance in the app distribution landscape.
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