Apple recently introduced iOS 18.1 with its groundbreaking genAI tools, setting the stage for a future where AI features will dominate the smartphone market. According to IDC, within the next four years, nearly three-quarters of smartphones will incorporate AI capabilities.
At its developers conference in June, Apple unveiled its Apple Intelligence platform, signaling its commitment to integrating AI features into its devices. This week, Apple revealed exclusive AI tools and Siri enhancements for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, with plans to expand to other models and Macs powered by Apple Silicon M-series chips.
The proliferation of genAI-enabled smartphones is expected to accelerate in the coming years, primarily in flagship devices like the iPhone 15 Pro, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6. However, cost remains a barrier to widespread adoption.
As IDC’s research director for mobile phones, Anthony Scarsella noted, the expense of capable chipsets poses a challenge. Nevertheless, as competition intensifies among device manufacturers and AI applications evolve, these components are likely to become more accessible in mid-market and budget-friendly models.
Today, most high-end mobile processors come equipped with AI accelerators or neural processing units (NPUs). Major chip manufacturers like Intel, Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Samsung have integrated their own NPU implementations, leveraging the Arm processor architecture to enhance AI capabilities.
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According to Jack Gold, principal analyst at J. Gold Associates, AI acceleration is becoming a standard feature in mobile processors, with even mid-range devices expected to incorporate this technology in the near future. This shift will empower users with enhanced privacy and security, as data processing occurs locally on the device.
GenAI on smartphones will revolutionize user experiences by automating tasks like composing messages with different tones and summarizing lengthy conversations into digestible formats. Additionally, AI-powered search functionalities will enhance on-device search capabilities, enabling users to locate files and media more efficiently.
As AI continues to reshape the smartphone landscape, the future holds endless possibilities for innovation and user-centric advancements. Stay informed with the latest updates on this transformative technology at www.computerworld.com.