Apple to take different approach than Samsung for AI features on iPhones

Apple could only bring on-device AI features to iPhones with iOS 18

According to a report from Mark Gurman (via 9To5Mac), AI features on iPhones will be powered entirely by a Large Language Model (LLM) developed by Apple, and all the AI processing will happen on-device. We can expect Apple to heavily market the privacy and speed benefits of using on-device AI processing. These AI features will reportedly debut with iOS 18 and will be showcased during WWDC 2024.

While on-device AI has privacy and speed benefits, it isn't as powerful as AI processing offered by dedicated servers in the cloud. However, it is possible that Apple will only introduce AI features that work well with on-device AI processing. For example, it could offer better auto-replies and Siri requests.

This differs from Samsung's approach of using a mix of on-device and cloud-powered AI features. Samsung uses a mix of its own LLM and Google's Gemini for AI processing. Users have to option to process AI data locally on the device with a simple toggle. As seen on the Galaxy S24 and older phones that have received One UI 6.1 with AI features, some AI features work fast, while others are slow, depending on the workload and complexity.

While Apple hasn't revealed any AI feature that could debut with iOS 18, it could bring better language translation, more reliable autocorrect while typing, and advanced image editing features. A few weeks ago, it was revealed that Apple was in talks with Google about using Gemini to power some AI features in iOS 18. However, it isn't clear if that deal has been agreed upon.