Apple set to launch iPhone 16 with AI features at ‘It’s Glowtime’ event

Apple Inc. is expected to reveal its new iPhone 16 lineup, with the new phone emphasizing artificial intelligence over traditional hardware updates. The event will be held at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, and the theme is “It’s Glowtime.”

Speculation has grown about new color options for the iPhone and other devices. The fall event is one of Apple’s biggest as it sets the stage for the holiday season, which is the company’s peak period when it generates the most revenue. 

Revamped Siri leads Apple’s iPhone 16 AI features 

A key highlight of the iPhone 16 lineup is the revamped Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, with enhanced AI capabilities. Also, Siri will have a new look with the circular icon being replaced by the light bar at the edge of the phone.

Among the newly unveiled features include the “Genmoji” feature which allows users to create their emojis through text commands.

Another feature is the AI-based summarization tool that is also available in Safari and helps users to get a brief of long reads. This feature is intended to assist the reader by presenting the main ideas and omitting less relevant information.

Another new feature in the iPhone 16 is smarter notification recaps that will help minimize the notification center by focusing on the most important notifications. In addition, the AI feature is also available in the Voice Memos app, where there will be a transcription feature to enable the user to convert the recorded voice into text.

In the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) held earlier this year, Apple announced that it would increase the use of artificial intelligence in its products. It plans to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT into Siri to deliver a more natural and smooth interface.

Unlike Microsoft and other competitors, Apple had previously delayed releasing generative AI tools. Now, it is reportedly planning to delay the release of Image Playground and Genmoji, two of its advertised AI features until the release of iOS 18.2, as reported by Bloomberg. 

These tools were initially expected in iOS 18.1, which is the first significant update after the iPhone 16 release. Now, users will have to wait until at least December for the features that will introduce AI directly into core iPhone applications. 

Competitors race to integrate AI into smartphone offerings

Apple’s stock has been on the rise this year because of the rise in the interest in generative AI and the overall growth of the tech sector. However, this has not been a smooth ride for Apple as the sales of smartphones globally have been on the decline. 

Also, there has been more competition from companies such as Huawei, which is likely to release its products at the same time as Apple’s launch event. Samsung, another contender in the market, has also been integrating AI into its products.

Besides the rivalry, Apple continues to face legal issues with the U.S. Department of Justice concerning complaints about the antitrust practices of the company. The lawsuit claims that Apple continued to monopolize the smartphone market, which Apple denies.