Apple is giving more users the chance to try out a software update that will give its virtual assistant Siri artificial intelligence and will automate a variety of tedious tasks on the latest iPhone that goes on sale Friday.
The free update was made available to a group of users on Thursday, who have signed up to test the software. Apple before it is released to all iPhone users next month.
As of Thursday, only two iPhone premium released for sale last year contain the processor needed to power the AI features included in the update, but That will change on Friday when four new iPhone 16 models hit stores.
All iPhone 16 models, which range in price from $800 to $1,200 at launch, are equipped to handle the new technology.which the company markets under the name “Apple Intelligence.” That branding is part of an effort to differentiate the iPhone’s AI from similar technology already available in phones launched this year by Apple. Samsung and Google.
The promotion for the new model claims that AI features are one of the main reasons to buy an iPhone 16, so releasing a trial version of the software that powers that technology now may encourage more consumers to purchase one of the new models as soon as possible.
For now, AI technology is only available in US English, but in December it will be expanded to specific variants of English spoken in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom.Apple plans to expand it to other languages and countries next year. Testing of the AI software is beginning just days after Apple released its latest mobile operating system, iOS 18, for all older iPhones.
Once the iOS 18.1 update is installed, Siri is expected to have better communication skills and be more versatile and colorful, with a bright light that will rotate around the iPhone screen as it responds to users’ requests. While Apple promises that Siri will be able to perform more tasks and be less prone to confusion, You will not be able to interact with other applications installed on the iPhone until another software update is released on a date yet to be announced.
Other AI features in the software update will handle a variety of writing and proofreading tasks, and summarize the content of emails and other documents. AI will also provide a variety of editing tools to modify the appearance of photos and make it easier to find old images.