Apple’s Latest Software Update Includes A.I. Features

Apple’s (AAPL) latest software update for its devices such as the iPhone, iPad and MacBook turns the company’s artificial intelligence (A.I.) features on by default for users.The updates, iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3, also disable A.I. summaries for news apps, which have gained a reputation for including inaccurate facts.The release is a milestone in the rollout of “Apple Intelligence,” the company’s suite of A.I. features. Artificial intelligence is critical for Apple as the company seeks to distinguish its products from competitors with an A.I. system that’s fully integrated into iPhones and other devices.While A.I. has been featured in the company’s marketing for its latest iPhones, the rollout has, to date, been limited. In fact, Apple’s entire A.I. suite is still officially in beta mode and is only available in a handful of English-speaking countries.The move to turn the A.I. features on by default is a step toward a more complete rollout of the product. With the latest software updates, Apple’s A.I. will be turned on by default, expanding the number of users who are exposed to the technology. Apple says its A.I. can rewrite texts, generate images, and summarize long emails and message threads for users. Apple Intelligence can also take stacks of notifications and simplify them into a three-sentence summary. The stock of Apple has risen 20% over the last 12 months to trade at $229.86 U.S. per share.