Apple's AI feature crosses a “milestone” in the world!

On Monday, October 28th, Apple, in line with market expectations, released a new iMac desktop all-in-one computer equipped with the latest and most powerful M4 chip and Apple Intelligence features, starting at a price of $1,299. The new model is now available for pre-order and will be shipped on November 8th.

Additionally, Apple Intelligence features are available on iPhones, iPads, and Macs that meet the hardware configuration requirements. The next batch of artificial intelligence features, which will integrate ChatGPT services into Siri and image generation, is expected to be launched in December.

Following the announcement, Apple's stock price continued to hit new daily highs, rising by more than 1%, nearly recouping all the losses since the previous Tuesday.

This week is significant for Apple, as it not only releases major software and hardware updates but also plans to announce its financial results for the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2024 after the market closes on Thursday. According to the company's Chief Marketing Officer, Greg Joswiak, more new Mac computers equipped with the M4 chip may be released this week.

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The AI features released this week are the first batch, which are relatively conventional and basic, such as: a writing tool integrated into applications for summarizing and rewriting text, AI image cleanup in photos, summary of articles and notifications, and a redesigned Siri typing input experience. The new batch of AI features expected in December will be more exciting, including the integration of ChatGPT into Siri services.

The iMac completely eliminates the Lightning port, adds a more advanced screen, and upgrades RAM to at least 16GB to support AI.

First, let's look at the iMac update. This is a new desktop computer launched by Apple just one year after the release of the iMac with the M3 chip. It is similar in appearance to the 2021 version with the M1 chip, which underwent a major redesign. The main changes are reflected in the color scheme, processor replacement, memory expansion, complete replacement of the Lightning port with USB-C, and the option for a more advanced display.

The new iMac still offers seven colors: green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver. However, instead of softer tones, the colors are deeper, and matching accessories are provided.

The entry-level model starts at $1,299 and is equipped with two Thunderbolt USB-C 4 ports. The higher-end model starts at $1,499 and is equipped with four of the aforementioned ports, as well as a gigabit Ethernet port. Some analysts say that the USB-C ports support the fastest Thunderbolt 4 standard, which means users can transfer large videos and other files more quickly.The new iMac retains the same 24-inch 4.5K Retina display as earlier models, with the option to upgrade to a nano-texture display for an additional $200 on higher-end configurations, which can help prevent reflections and glare if the computer is near a window. The 27-inch iMac with Intel chips has been discontinued.

In terms of M4 chip options, the entry-level model comes with an eight-core CPU and eight-core GPU, which can ultimately be upgraded to a ten-core CPU and ten-core GPU. The RAM system memory for all models is set to at least 16GB, doubling that of previous versions, to more smoothly support AI experiences, with the option to upgrade to 32GB. The starting computer memory is 256GB, with the option to upgrade to 2TB for a fee.

Additionally, the latest iMac features a 1080p camera, a six-speaker sound system, and three "studio-quality" microphones. Apple has also added Center Stage to the 12-megapixel webcam, which automatically keeps the user's face in the frame during video calls. It supports up to two additional 6K displays, as well as updated Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard.

Apple first introduced the M4 chip, which uses a "second-generation 3-nanometer process technology," in the new iPad Pro in May, and the iMac became the first Mac product line to feature this chip this week. Two weeks ago, Apple also "unexpectedly" launched the iPad Mini, which supports AI and is equipped with the A17 Pro chip.

The M4 prioritizes energy efficiency and speed, with Apple stating that the latest iMac will be 1.7 times faster than the M1 chip in the 2021 iMac, with a 2.1 times improvement in graphics processing speed, and even six times faster than the older iMac with Intel chips.

Furthermore, with the release of operating system updates such as MacOS Sequoia 15.1 and iPadOS 18.1 today, devices equipped with the M4 chip can begin to utilize the brand-new Apple Intelligence artificial intelligence features.

It is worth noting that, unlike only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max and the latest iPhone 16 series phones that will support AI features, any Mac computers equipped with the M1 and higher chips since 2021 can run Apple AI.

Apple's first batch of AI features has concluded its beta testing and is officially launched, with writing tools and content summaries being very appealing, and the December update may be more important.

Apple also released the iOS 18.1 mobile operating system update on Monday, allowing users with compatible device configurations to experience the first batch of AI features, which were first mentioned at the WWDC Apple Global Developers Conference in June.The first batch of AI features is relatively conventional, including writing tools integrated into applications for summarizing and rewriting text, image cleanup that removes objects from photos, summary of emails and notifications, a redesigned Siri typing input, audio transcription to text summaries in the Notes app, and intelligent replies in Messages.

To experience AI, users first need to download iOS 18.1 in "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update", then apply for the "Apple Waitlist" in "Settings" > "Apple Intelligence and Siri". Approval is usually granted within a day in the Beta version, after which the user's phone will begin to download the large files required for Apple Intelligence (such as Apple's AI models).

The new batch of AI features expected to be released in December is anticipated to be more exciting, including the integration of ChatGPT into Siri's services and the launch of image generation tools that can better compete with Google and other competitors.

Today's improved Siri will have a new text interface appearance, answer more questions about Apple products, help troubleshoot device issues, and have a more natural voice, but it still cannot perform operations within multiple applications. However, Siri can now be accessed by swiping up from the bottom of the screen, eliminating the need for users to speak loudly to query.

Apple's AI writing tool can be displayed in any text input location in the operating system, including in third-party applications. Users need to mark a large block of text and choose to have AI rewrite it in a more "friendly," "professional," or "concise" style. The latest "Photos" app has smarter search capabilities, understands natural language, and can generate video clips based on user photos.

Analysts from banks like Bank of America previously estimated that, given the phased rollout of Apple Intelligence's AI features, the first batch might be slightly disappointing, and the demand for device upgrades might only be stimulated in subsequent feature iterations.

It is analyzed that the release of the first batch of AI features is an important milestone for Apple, as it can promote sales of the iPhone 16 series released last month and answer Wall Street's questions about Apple's artificial intelligence strategy. As the Q4 2024 financial report approaches, Goldman Sachs optimistically expects profits to significantly exceed consensus expectations.

For example, Apple's AI features will run on chips on the phone side, rather than investing billions of dollars in developing cloud-based AI systems driven by Nvidia chips like other major competitors. Therefore, running AI on iPhones requires hardware upgrades. Similarly, only iPads equipped with the A17 Pro chip can use AI features.

At the same time, compared to products like ChatGPT, the uniqueness of Apple's AI system lies in its small model approach. New Apple Intelligence features are trained on specific functions with selective datasets, rather than the large-scale black-box methods used by other systems.