Apple Launches iPhone With AI Tech And Free Software Update

Apple is releasing a free software update that will introduce its first dose of artificial intelligence (AI) into its iPhone 16 lineup as the trendsetting company tries to catch up with the latest technology craze, Michael Liedtke reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The AI upgrade aims to transform Apple’s often clumsy virtual assistant, Siri, into a more conversational, versatile, and colorful companion, with a glowing light circling the iPhone’s screen while requests are being processed. I Photo: Apple

The upgrade to the iOS 18 operating system on Monday comes more than a month after four iPhone 16 models, equipped with the special computer chip needed to power the AI features, went on sale at prices ranging from $800 to $1,200.

Last year’s premium models — the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max — also have processors capable of enabling the AI technology once the software update is installed.

Recent versions of Apple’s iPad and Mac computers can also be updated with the software. Countries outside the U.S. won’t receive the AI software for their iPhones until next year, with the release date still to be determined.

Apple spent the past five weeks testing the AI software with a group of iPhone owners who signed up to help the company fine-tune the technology.

The AI upgrade aims to transform Apple’s often clumsy virtual assistant, Siri, into a more conversational, versatile, and colorful companion, with a glowing light circling the iPhone’s screen while requests are being processed.