Apple’s WWDC could include AI-generated emoji and an OpenAI partnership

Recent rumors claim that Apple will allow chatbots to integrate deeper into its operating systems, and it appears that OpenAI is the first to achieve this with ChatGPT. But Apple is still working on a deal with Google to do the same with Gemini, according to Gurman. He is also rumored to be speaking at Anthropic. (These discussions began before OpenAI’s ongoing dusting of Scarlett Johansson, but they highlight why Apple might want more of an iPhone chatbot deal.) Aside from what these potential partnerships will mean, Apple’s approach in AI topic will apparently focus on practicality.

One big, notable improvement that Apple reportedly announced could be a “smart recap” feature that Gurman mentioned. This will apparently summarize missed texts, notifications, and other items such as “web pages, news articles, documents, notes, and other forms of media.” This could be especially useful when dealing with iOS notifications, which can be overwhelming and difficult to tame. And if you squint, it vaguely echoes Microsoft’s recently announced Reminder feature, which tracks what you do on your computer using AI and essentially makes your actions searchable.

The Voice Memo app could also get a big boost in AI-generated transcriptions, Gurman writes. Selfishly, this will be essential for referencing interview recordings, but it could also be useful, for example, for students recording their lessons for later reference. Apple devices already have similar features, such as auto-generated voicemail transcripts and system-wide captions for videos, audio, and chats.

The company also reportedly plans to announce AI-based improvements to on-device Spotlight search, web searches with Safari, and writing email and text suggestions. And the company can also use AI to edit photos and generate emoji on the fly, based on what you send — a type of feature that seems to constantly cause problems for these companies. (See Meta’s gun-toting Waluigi AI stickers or Google’s Nazi images of inappropriate racial diversity.)

Apple could introduce a better, more natural voice for Siri, based on Apple’s major language models, as well as better Siri functionality on the Apple Watch. Where possible, Apple devices will do all of this locally, but for complex tasks they will offload the processing to Apple’s own M2 Ultra-based servers, Gurman writes. In general, he says that devices “released within the last year” will benefit from most of the new AI features built into the device.

In addition to AI features, the company could announce an iOS 18 feature allowing users to change their app icons to different colors, according to Gurman. Something similar is now possible, using the iOS Shortcuts app, but I would definitely appreciate a simpler method. This is in addition to the other change coming to the iPhone home screen that will finally allow users to place app icons wherever they want instead of iOS forcing a top-to-bottom layout , from left to right. And after? Custom launchers?

Updated May 26, 2024, 11:38 a.m. ET: We’ve fleshed out some rumored features and added more context.