A recent report by Bloomberg Apple Insider Mark Gurman revealed that Apple’s latest iPad mini refresh, the first in three years, focuses on AI features powered by the new Apple Intelligence platform. Ta. However, the initial features available at launch are reportedly “underwhelming”, with more impressive AI features expected to be released between December and March. The new iPad mini has 8 gigabytes of memory and the A17 Pro chip, the same processor as last year’s iPad mini. iPhone 15 Pro model. This provides sufficient functionality to support Apple Intelligence. However, the platform itself won’t launch until five days after the new iPad mini hits stores on October 23rd.
Initial Apple Intelligence features on iPad mini include notification summaries. While potentially useful, they lack the “wow” factor of competing products from Google, OpenAI, and Meta Platforms. Gurman’s report cites internal Apple research that found OpenAI’s ChatGPT was 25% more accurate and capable of answering 30% more questions than Apple’s Siri. Some within Apple reportedly believe the company’s generative AI technology is more than two years behind industry leaders.
Writing tools will be one of the first Apple AI features available on iPad Mini. |Image credit — Apple
Despite this, Garman doesn’t think it would be wise to fire Apple. The company has vast resources, a strong brand, and a history of catching up in areas where it initially lagged, such as Apple Maps. Apple also has the advantage of a large device ecosystem, allowing it to quickly roll out new features across its product line.
Currently, Apple Watch doesn’t directly support Apple Intelligence, but a paired iPhone can deliver a summary of notifications to your device. The company is also working on bringing these features to its Vision Pro headset and the next wave of AI-centric home devices.
Garman points out that while Apple’s marketing may lead consumers to believe it offers cutting-edge AI capabilities, the reality at launch is less impressive. He questions how much consumers really care about AI and suggests that camera advances remain a strong selling point for devices like the iPhone.
Apple’s Image Playground isn’t scheduled to be released until December 2024. Image credit — Apple
Thanks in part to the excitement around AI, Apple’s stock is currently trading at an all-time high, with a market valuation of $3.6 trillion. But Garman believes Apple is still years away from achieving true AI.
Personally, I’m intrigued by the potential of Apple Intelligence, but also cautious. Apple has a history of delivering sophisticated user experiences, so I’m hopeful that their AI services will eventually catch up to their competitors. But I’m not convinced that AI is currently a major selling point for most consumers. I’m more interested in concrete improvements to existing functionality.
