“Apple’s AI progress could be 2 years behind ChatGPT, but I’m prepared to be patient.”

"Apple's AI progress could be 2 years behind ChatGPT, but I'm prepared to be patient."

“Apple’s AI progress could be 2 years behind ChatGPT, but I’m prepared to be patient.”


# Apple Intelligence vs. ChatGPT: Anticipating the iPhone’s Siri AI

In recent times, the competition for supremacy in artificial intelligence (AI) has escalated, with players like OpenAI, Google, and Meta at the forefront. Apple, a prominent technology company recognized for its innovative spirit, is also advancing in AI, but recent reports suggest it may be trailing its rivals by as much as two years. Nevertheless, many Apple fans, myself included, are prepared to wait for Apple’s AI, branded as **Apple Intelligence**, to bridge the gap. Here’s my perspective.

## Apple Intelligence: A New Horizon for iPhone Users

Apple Intelligence is central to the new **iPhone 16** series, even though it hasn’t been entirely released yet. Currently, users have access to a beta version of Apple Intelligence via iOS 18.1, while the full experience remains under development. For those of us in Europe, the anticipation is longer as Apple Intelligence will initially launch exclusively on Mac, with no definitive timeline for its arrival on iPhone and iPad.

This postponement is further emphasized by a recent report from **Mark Gurman** of Bloomberg, which indicates that Apple’s internal data reveals it is considerably behind competitors such as **ChatGPT** and **Google’s Gemini**. The report claims that Apple’s generative AI technology is approximately two years behind the leaders in the field. Despite this, I maintain a positive outlook regarding Apple’s AI prospects, and here’s why.

## The Present Status of Apple Intelligence

Gurman’s findings underline significant differences between Apple’s AI capabilities and those of its rivals. For example, **ChatGPT** is said to be 25% more accurate than **Siri** in responding to inquiries and can answer 30% more questions in total. This isn’t surprising, given that Apple has been relatively quiet in the generative AI arena compared to entities like OpenAI, which has made swift progress with its ChatGPT model.

However, Apple is recognized for its methodical approach to perfecting its products, and AI is likely to follow suit. While Apple may currently be lagging, it has a history of entering markets late and still achieving prominence, as illustrated by products like the **iPhone** and **Apple Watch**.

## Reasons for My Willingness to Wait

### 1. **Data Privacy**

A primary reason I’m willing to wait for Apple Intelligence is Apple’s dedication to **data privacy**. Unlike other AI models that heavily depend on cloud computing and data sharing, Apple has asserted that its AI will prioritize user privacy. This indicates that Apple Intelligence will probably function more securely, ensuring sensitive personal information stays on the device rather than being transmitted to the cloud.

As someone who prioritizes privacy, this is an essential benefit. I seek an AI assistant that can learn about my preferences, behaviors, and routines—yet I don’t want that information accessible to anyone else, including Apple itself. Apple’s focus on on-device processing and privacy-centric AI is something I am prepared to await.

### 2. **Seamless Integration Across Devices**

Another factor fueling my enthusiasm for Apple Intelligence is its potential for smooth integration throughout Apple’s ecosystem. Apple’s strength lies in its ability to provide a harmonized experience across its devices—iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and beyond. Once Apple Intelligence is fully realized, it will likely operate across all these devices, creating a cohesive AI experience that no other company can replicate.

For instance, I envision a future where I can instruct Siri to make a reservation, manage payments, or control smart home devices, all while guaranteeing my data remains secure and private. This level of integration is something that competitors like Google and Samsung, with their more disjointed ecosystems, will find challenging to emulate.

### 3. **Apple’s Proven History**

Apple has a track record of entering markets late yet still managing to eclipse its competitors. Consider **Apple Maps**; at its inception, it lagged significantly behind **Google Maps** in functionality and precision. Nevertheless, over the years, Apple has gradually enhanced its mapping service, making it a viable alternative to Google Maps for numerous users.

I foresee a similar path for Apple Intelligence. Although it may currently be trailing ChatGPT and Google’s AI, Apple possesses the resources and expertise to rapidly catch up. Gurman’s report indicates that Apple will “either develop, hire, or acquire its way into the top tier of AI companies,” aligning with Apple’s history of strategic acquisitions and internal development.

## The Prospects of Apple Intelligence

While Apple Intelligence may be two years behind ChatGPT, I don’t believe it will take Apple that long to catch up. Apple’s ecosystem, alongside its emphasis on privacy and user experience, offers it a distinct edge in the AI competition. Once fully developed, Apple Intelligence could provide a more personalized and secure AI experience than any of its challengers.