As Apple continues to explore the potential of artificial intelligence through its Apple Intelligence initiative, the company faces the challenge of catching up to established players like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. My experience with the iOS 18 beta revealed numerous areas where Apple’s AI features feel incomplete or underwhelming. To truly compete in the AI landscape, Apple must consider the following ten critical features that could elevate its offerings.
1. Regenerative AI APIs and Enhanced Writing Tools
While Apple’s current writing tools offer basic functionalities—such as text rewrites and grammar checks—there’s a clear opportunity for enhancement. By integrating Regenerative AI (RAG) APIs, Apple could significantly improve these tools. Features such as real-time grammar corrections, tone adjustments, and industry-specific language models could revolutionize content creation in apps like Mail, Notes, and Pages.
For instance, a legal professional drafting a contract could benefit from AI that understands legal terminology, helping them generate text that adheres to industry standards. Similarly, medical researchers could create papers enriched with precise terminology sourced from specialized models. This enhancement would not only improve productivity but also ensure that users can generate contextually accurate and relevant content.
Technical Viability
Implementing these capabilities would require seamless real-time data processing and the integration of specialized models tailored to various fields, such as law and healthcare.
Strategic Likelihood
Given Apple’s existing focus on professional markets, enhancing writing tools with RAG APIs aligns well with its strategic goals and could strengthen its position in crucial industries.
Priority
High. This feature is vital for professionals who need precision and context in their work.
2. Voice-Based AI Workflow Automation
Imagine if Siri could manage complex, multi-step tasks with simple voice commands. Enhancing Siri’s capabilities to handle such tasks would transform the user experience. Users could say, “Prepare my day,” prompting Siri to schedule meetings, prioritize emails, and even suggest travel routes based on real-time traffic conditions.
Proactive notifications could further improve this experience by intelligently filtering and surfacing the most relevant alerts, reducing distractions. This transformation would elevate Siri from a basic assistant to an indispensable tool for productivity.
Technical Viability
Achieving this level of automation requires significant advancements in Siri’s natural language processing and task management algorithms.
Strategic Likelihood
As competitors enhance their voice assistants, Siri must evolve to remain competitive and relevant in the market.
Priority
High. Enhancing Siri’s capabilities would greatly improve user productivity and satisfaction.
3. Enhanced Privacy and Security Controls
As AI technologies become more integrated into daily life, it’s crucial for Apple to enhance its privacy and security features. Users should have granular control over what data AI applications can access, ensuring compliance with stringent privacy standards. This could involve customizable consent frameworks that allow users to manage third-party data usage.
Technical Viability
This development would require the expansion of Apple’s existing cryptographic protocols and the establishment of user-friendly privacy controls.
Strategic Likelihood
Very high. Given Apple’s longstanding commitment to user privacy, this enhancement is essential as AI usage expands.
Priority
High. Enhanced privacy controls are critical in today’s data-centric environment.
4. Integrated Financial Management and Fraud Detection
Apple has a unique opportunity to enhance its financial services through AI. By integrating financial management tools with real-time fraud detection, Apple could elevate its offerings in Apple Wallet and Apple Pay. AI could help users track spending, offer budgeting advice, and send alerts for unusual transactions, thereby improving security and user experience.
Technical Viability
This requires developing robust AI algorithms capable of analyzing financial data in real time and detecting fraudulent activities effectively.
Strategic Likelihood
High. With Apple’s growing involvement in financial services, this feature is a logical next step in its evolution.
Priority
High. As security and personalized financial management become increasingly important, this feature warrants immediate attention.
5. Advanced Health and Fitness Features
Leveraging the Apple Watch’s rich sensor data could enable Apple to provide real-time diagnostics and predictive health insights. AI could analyze users’ sleep patterns, heart rates, and activity levels, alerting them to potential health issues or recommending optimal workouts based on past performance.
For example, if a user’s heart rate becomes irregular during exercise, AI could alert them and suggest modifications to their routine. This proactive approach to health monitoring could significantly enhance the value of Apple’s health and fitness ecosystem.
Technical Viability
Integrating complex health data into AI models capable of providing real-time diagnostics would require substantial advancements in data analytics.
Strategic Likelihood
High. Apple’s ongoing investment in health technology aligns seamlessly with this enhancement.
Priority
High. Health features are key drivers of Apple Watch adoption, making this a top priority.
6. AI-Enhanced Media Production Tools
For creative professionals, integrating AI into applications like Final Cut Pro and GarageBand could streamline video editing, sound mixing, and effects generation. AI could automate repetitive tasks and suggest edits based on user preferences, allowing creatives to focus on the artistic aspects of their projects.
Imagine a filmmaker using Final Cut Pro, where AI automatically cuts clips, color-corrects scenes, and applies filters tailored to the user’s previous projects. This capability would dramatically reduce editing time and enhance productivity for creatives.
Technical Viability
Building AI models that understand user preferences and workflows in real time is essential for this feature.
Strategic Likelihood
High. Given Apple’s established presence in creative markets, this evolution is both natural and necessary.
Priority
Moderate. While important, this feature caters to a niche market compared to broader productivity tools.
7. Sustainability and Environmental Tracking
Apple could leverage AI to help users monitor and reduce their environmental impact. By collecting data from HomeKit devices, electric vehicles, and smart meters, AI could analyze energy consumption and offer personalized sustainability recommendations.
For instance, a user’s HomeKit system could collaborate with their electric vehicle to optimize charging during off-peak hours. AI could also suggest eco-friendly alternatives based on user behavior, promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Technical Viability
This requires algorithms that can aggregate and analyze data from both Apple and non-Apple devices.
Strategic Likelihood
Moderate. While this aligns with Apple’s sustainability goals, it necessitates partnerships for comprehensive data integration.
Priority
Moderate. Although important, sustainability features are secondary to immediate productivity and security enhancements.
8. AI Accessibility Features
Expanding accessibility through AI could transform the user experience for individuals with disabilities. Features like real-time captioning, gesture recognition, and adaptive learning environments could make Apple devices more user-friendly and inclusive.
For example, a student with a hearing impairment could benefit from real-time captioning during lectures, while AI could adapt educational materials to fit individual learning styles. Enhancing accessibility aligns with Apple’s mission of inclusivity and can significantly broaden its user base.
Technical Viability
Building on existing accessibility tools would require AI enhancements for more dynamic and adaptive functionality.
Strategic Likelihood
High. Apple has always prioritized accessibility, making this a natural and impactful focus.
Priority
High. Enhancing accessibility is crucial for creating a more inclusive ecosystem.
9. A Dedicated Gen AI Store
Apple could launch a Gen AI Store dedicated to AI-powered applications, allowing users to discover and download apps for tasks like personal assistance, home automation, and media recommendations. This initiative could extend AI functionality to Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as the HomePod and Apple TV.
By creating a marketplace for AI applications, Apple could open new revenue streams while enhancing user experiences across its ecosystem. Users could easily find and integrate AI solutions into their daily routines.
Technical Viability
This requires a scalable infrastructure for the distribution of AI models and integration across various IoT devices.
Strategic Likelihood
Moderate to high. A dedicated store for AI applications could diversify Apple’s service revenue and enhance user engagement.
Priority
Moderate. While promising, this feature may take time to fully realize.
10. Personalized AI Learning
AI could enhance user experience by learning from individual habits and behaviors. By providing personalized suggestions for apps, settings, and actions, Apple could make devices more intuitive. For instance, AI could suggest a playlist during workouts or adjust settings for focus during work hours.
Technical Viability
Implementing this feature would require sophisticated machine-learning models capable of learning dynamically from user interactions.
Strategic Likelihood
High. Personalization aligns well with Apple’s focus on delivering tailored user experiences.
Priority
Moderate to high. While not as urgent as some productivity features, improving personalization is key to deepening user engagement.
The Future of Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence is at a critical juncture, poised to transform how users interact with their devices. This wishlist highlights essential areas where Apple can enhance its AI capabilities—from improving developer integration to expanding AI roles in health, finance, and accessibility.
While Apple’s commitment to privacy and on-device processing sets it apart, embracing a broader AI strategy is essential to meet user expectations. By addressing these gaps, Apple can solidify its leadership in AI, creating an innovative and secure ecosystem that enhances user experiences across its platforms.
In summary, by prioritizing these ten features, Apple can elevate its AI initiatives and position itself as a formidable competitor in the rapidly evolving technology landscape. As the company continues to innovate, the integration of advanced AI capabilities could reshape user interactions and redefine what is possible in the digital age.
