229 |🍎⏱️ Apple Intelligence’s "But wait . . . " moment

In today’s Brainyacts:

1. Apples Intelligence’s “but wait . . . . “ event

2. ChatGPT’s massive usage drop and other AI model news

3. Deepfake porn crisis in Korean schools and more news you can use

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Spotlight

🍎 ⏱️ Apple Intelligence’s “But wait, there’s more . . . just not yet” event.

Yesterday, at Apple’s recent Glowtime event, there was an unmistakable sense of anticipation in the air as Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, stepped up to announce the long-awaited Apple Intelligence features. These new capabilities were expected to redefine the user experience, from improved Siri functions to AI-driven photo analysis. Yet, in true Apple fashion, while the company rolled out an impressive array of new technologies, the message that stuck with many was a classic: “But wait, there’s more… but not for many months more.” Or perhaps, just “but wait.”

What Was Announced?

Apple’s announcements were exciting, at least on paper. Here’s a quick rundown of the key Apple Intelligence features:

• Siri Enhancements: Siri is about to get much smarter. With better context understanding and the ability to handle speech errors, Siri is set to answer more in-depth questions about Apple devices than ever before.

• Visual Intelligence: The ability to snap a picture and instantly learn more about what’s in the image, potentially integrating with Google Search or ChatGPT for even more detailed information.

• Improved Writing Tools: A suite of new tools designed to help users proofread their text, suggest alternative tones (Friendly, Professional, Concise), and even summarize information in various formats like lists or tables.

• Mail Summarization: The days of wading through your inbox might be over, as Apple’s AI will now summarize emails, prioritize important ones, and offer quick replies.

• Photo Search: An AI-powered feature that helps users locate old photos or videos instantly based on descriptions, making endless scrolling a thing of the past.

• Transcription: Automatic transcription of audio recordings, with summaries available in apps like Notes.

But here’s the twist—most of these features, while interesting (certainly not thrilling), won’t be fully available until much later. The immediate response? Yawn . . . .

When Will These Features Be Available?

Despite all the buzz, most of these features won’t be ready until sometime next year. Sure, a beta version will roll out in the U.S. in October, but it’s only for U.S. English. The full experience? That will take longer, with localized English support expected by December. And for those hoping to use Apple Intelligence in other languages like Chinese, French, Japanese, or Spanish? 2025 is the earliest you’ll see that.

In short, these mind-blowing innovations aren’t arriving with the iPhone 16 series this month. Instead, buyers will be paying for the eventual ability to run Apple Intelligence, a prospect that leaves some wondering if it’s worth the immediate upgrade.

The Competitive Landscape

Meanwhile, Apple’s rivals aren’t standing still. Samsung has been making strides with its AI-powered translation features, and Google is already leading the way with the Pixel 9 series, which includes several AI features right now. Features like AI-generated images, call transcriptions, and even the ability to add the photographer into group shots using AI are already available to Pixel users. In contrast, Apple’s more ambitious (I would say trivial) features, such as its Image Playground art generator or AI-generated custom emojis, won’t be arriving until much later this year—if not next year.

Hardware to the Rescue?

So, without fully operational Apple Intelligence at launch, what’s left for Apple to sell this season? Apple is leaning heavily on its hardware improvements: a faster processor, larger screens, and a versatile new camera control button that offers unprecedented control over zoom, exposure, and depth of field. The iPhone 16 series will also boast better battery life, with promises of greater power efficiency and larger-capacity batteries.

But are these hardware upgrades enough to satisfy a consumer base that was hoping for a leap into AI? For now, that remains to be seen.

The Waiting Game

Apple Intelligence was supposed to be Apple’s grand entrance into the AI race, offering something deeper and more personal than competitors like ChatGPT, Google, or Samsung. Apple emphasized that its AI would know you—your habits, your data, your life—better than any general-purpose AI ever could. Yet, for all the promise, the bulk of these features are still just that: promises. Apple finds itself in the “wait and see” category, a space not unfamiliar to its loyal fanbase but one that tests patience nonetheless.

AI Model Notables

► A shocking collapse in visits to Chat-GPT website.

► X permanently stopped Grok AI from using EU citizens’ tweets after legal action by Ireland’s Data Protection Commissioner. 

► Elon Musk's X may be in breach of Australian privacy law over data harvesting for Grok AI.

► Amazon’s Audible will start generating AI voice replicas for popular book narrators (with their consent).

News You Can Use:

➭ Inside the deepfake porn crisis engulfing Korean schools.

➭ Florida takes a measured approach to ethical guardrails on Generative AI – written by ardent reader and supporter of Brainyacts, the Hon. Ralph Artigliere.

➭ These workers are being replaced by AI.

➭ South Korea summit to target 'blueprint' for using AI in the military.

➭ Colorado’s new deepfake law aimed at combating election misinformation.

➭ BP extends use of AI in five-year deal with spy tech firm Palantir.

➭ Artificial intelligence tools offer substantial benefits, challenges for hiring and recruiting.

➭ With both Olympics now in the rearview mirror, it is fun to ask what might an LA Olympics in the year 3028 look like (100 years after the 2028 games in LA)? Using GenAI, here is a video on it and an article explaining more.

Who is the author, Josh Kubicki?

Some of you know me. Others do not. Here is a short intro. I am a lawyer, entrepreneur, and teacher. I have transformed legal practices and built multi-million dollar businesses. Not a theorist, I am an applied researcher and former Chief Strategy Officer, recognized by Fast Company and Bloomberg Law for my unique work. Through this newsletter, I offer you pragmatic insights into leveraging AI to inform and improve your daily life in legal services.