By John Moltz
June 7, 2024 2:07 PM PT
This Week in Apple: There’s AI and then there’s AI
AI is coming to Apple devices but it’s not what you thiiiiink. The big news, however, is what else we’re going to be getting: a laundry list of stuff we’ve wanted for a while. And is anybody going to be getting in line at Lowe’s to try a Vision Pro?
Everything happens at Craig’s house
Remember Christmas at Craig’s house? You were there. We were all having a good time, drinking “nog” and singing carols (you were off-tune, by the way). After a while we’re looking around and we’re like, hey, where’s Craig?! The guy snuck off upstairs! Hey, Craig! Get down here, we’re having a good time!
Turns out he was maybe having a bit of a panic attack.
“Apple went all in on AI after Craig Federighi tested Github Copilot during his Christmas break”
Now we are just days away from seeing how Apple has changed course in the intervening months. Honestly, though, what could Apple announce next week that could beat the fine AI offerings already available from other companies?
“Google scrambles to manually remove weird AI answers in search”
“Humane Tells Customers to Stop Using AI Pin’s Charge Case Due to Fire Risk”
Oh. Well. Anyway, if you thought Apple would choose not to use the term “AI”, psych! Get ready for Apple Intelligence.
“‘Apple Intelligence’ will automatically choose between on-device and cloud-powered AI”
The Verge helpfully gives you the tl;dr right up at the top.
Bloomberg reports that Apple’s AI features for its apps will focus on ‘broad appeal’ and privacy, while leaving the chatbots to others like OpenAI.
This seems like the right, sensible approach that one maybe wishes other companies would take. So expect everyone to keep saying Apple’s behind in AI because they’re not shoveling garbage answers into everyone’s screens like coal into a steam engine.
Burying the lede
OK, so we’re getting AI. But that’s not what regular Apple product users should be excited about.
“iOS 18 and macOS 15 to Feature Refreshed Settings App”
The Settings app on iPhone and iPad and the System Settings on Macs will get an updated UI with a “reorganized, cleaner layout” that’s simpler to navigate.
Is it possible that Mac users’ long national nightmare will soon be over?
“It Was Hell,” Recalls Survivor Of MacOS Ventura and Sonoma System Settings App
But that’s not all, as Mark Gurman continues to dish the deets.
“Apple to Debut Passwords App in Challenge to 1Password, LastPass”
While some consider this antitrust bait, those of us who’ve watched 1Password sell out (I liked their early stuff) and LastPass simply blow it might have other opinions.
Also according to Mark Gurman, Apple will ship a number of other remarkable enhancements to its operating systems, including:
- A revamped Control Center with multiple pages and more customization.
- An updated macOS Mail.app featuring Gmail-style email grouping capability and AI-assisted smart replies.
- Retro wallpaper packs that “reference old school icons and slogans”.
- Messages will let you react to an iMessage with any emoji.
And they’re not even going to charge for this upgrade?
Vision Lowe
Not to be outdone, the Vision Pro is also on the verge of a tantalizing user experience.
“Apple Vision Pro demo coming to Lowe’s home improvement retail locations”
I used to shop for Macs in the back of a CompUSA and even I was not expecting this.
Apparently Lowe’s has an immersive experience that allows you to see your kitchen of the future using the Vision Pro, like a 1950s GE ad come to life. Or… virtual life, anyway. Who says there aren’t enough experiences for the Vision Pro?
“A Lowe’s kitchen specialist will meet with you for a one-on-one experience, which should take about 45 minutes,” according to the website.
Hey, I’m an introvert. If I wanted to have an awkward conversation with someone in a kitchen for 45 minutes, I’d just go to a party. C’mon.
[John Moltz is a Six Colors contributor. You can find him on Mastodon at Mastodon.social/@moltz and he sells items with references you might get on Cotton Bureau.]