Apple is giving more people the chance to test a software update that will implant artificial intelligence into its virtual assistant Siri and automate a variety of tedious tasks on the latest iPhone coming out Friday.
The free update was made available Thursday to an audience that has signed up to test Apple's software before it's released to all iPhone owners next month. As of Thursday, only two premium iPhones that came out last year contain the souped-up processor required to power the AI features included in the update, but that will change Friday when four new iPhone 16 models reach store shelves.
All the iPhone 16 models, with starting prices ranging from $800 to $1,200, are equipped to handle the new technology, which the company is marketing as “Apple Intelligence.” That branding is part of an effort to distinguish the iPhone’s AI from similar technology already available in smartphones released earlier this year by Samsung and Google.
The AI features are being promoted as one of the main reasons to buy an iPhone 16, so releasing a test version of the software powering the technology now may prod more consumers to splurge on one of the new models as soon as possible
The AI technology is coming out in U.S. English only for now, but will expand into localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. in December. Apple plans to expand into other languages and countries next year. The testing of the AI software is beginning just a few days after Apple released its latest mobile operating system, iOS 18, to all its earlier iPhones.
Once the iOS 18.1 upgrade is installed, the often bumbling Siri is supposed to become more conversational, versatile and colorful, with a glowing light that will rotate around the iPhone's screen as it responds to requests. While Apple is promising Siri will be able to perform more tasks and be less prone to becoming confused, it won't be able to interact with other apps installed on the iPhone until another software update comes out at a still-unspecified date.
Other AI features in the software update will handle a variety of writing and proofreading tasks, summarize the content of emails and other documents. The AI also will provide a variety of editing tools to alter the appearance of photos and make it easier to find old pictures.
But the initial update doesn't include other AI tricks still to come, such as the ability to create customized emojis on the fly or conjure other fanciful imagery upon request. Apple also plans to eventually enable its AI suite to get a helping hand from OpenAI's ChatGPT when users want it.
Besides the new iPhone model, Apple's AI features also will work last year's iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max because they have the special computer chip that's required. The update will also bring the ability to record spatial video on those two iPhone 15 models that can be watched on Apple's $3,500 Vision Pro headset.
But the AI won't work on hundreds of millions of other iPhones that are still in use, a drawback that investors are betting will juice Apple's recently slumping sales of the ubiquitous device.
That expectation is the main reason that Apple's stock price has climbed by more than 15% since the company previewed its AI strategy in June, creating $500 billion in shareholder wealth. Some analysts believe the demand for new iPhones could propel Apple's market value above $4 trillion for the first time within the next year.
Attendees take a closer look at the Apple iPhone 16 during an announcement of new products at Apple headquarters Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Cupertino, Calif. (AP Photo/Juliana Yamada)
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Nikita Kucherov scored his fourth goal of the season, and the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 in their hurricane-delayed home opener on Tuesday night.
Kucherov had a hat trick the last time the Lightning took the ice, and he was the one to open the scoring against the Canucks off a feed from Darren Raddysh 3:55 into the game.
The Lightning were scheduled to open the home season Saturday night against the Carolina Hurricanes, but the game was postponed due to the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel each had a goal and an assist in the win, while Andrei Vasilevskiy made 26 saves in net.
Conor Garland scored Vancouver's only goal on a power play in the third period. Arturs Silovs stopped 24 shots for the Canucks.
Canucks: Vancouver is 0-1-2 after winning 50 games last season. The offense has eight goals, including five in the first period, through three games.
Lightning: After spending most of last week in Raleigh, North Carolina, due to Hurricane Milton, some players and staff, including coach Jon Cooper, are staying in hotels due to ongoing power outages. The off-ice situation has not affected their performance in games.
After Tampa Bay failed to make it 3-0 during a late second-period power play, Vasilevskiy made strong saves on Tyler Myers and Brock Boeser. Garland also put a shot off the post during that stretch.
Kucherov had a point on all of the Lightning's first five goals to start the season. Only Connor McDavid (nine, 2018-19), Adam Oates (seven, 1986-87), Andre Boudrias (six, 1973-74), Bill Cowley (six, 1938-39) and Aurele Joliat (six, 1929-30) have longer streaks.
The Lightning remain at home Thursday night to face the Golden Knights. Vancouver plays Florida on the road on Thursday night.
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL
Tampa Bay Lightning center Jake Guentzel (59) works around Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) and goaltender Arturs Silovs (31) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point (21) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks with right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) and center Jake Guentzel (59) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers (57) ties up the puck in front of Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Nicholas Paul (20) and left wing Brandon Hagel (38) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Brandon Hagel (38) takes down Vancouver Canucks left wing Jake DeBrusk (74) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Conor Sheary (73) hooks Vancouver Canucks left wing Nils Hoglander (21) for a penalty during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Arturs Silovs (31) stops a shot by Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) as center Jake Guentzel (59) and defenseman Carson Soucy (7) look for a rebound during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Arturs Silovs (31) stops a shot by Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. Vancouver Canucks' Carson Soucy (7) keeps Tampa Bay Lightning's Jake Guentzel from a rebound. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) celebrates with the bench after his goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson (40) moves the puck around Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman carries a "Tampa Strong" flag in honor of the victims of Hurricane Milton before an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
