Apple’s AI Ambitions: How Third-Party Integrations Elevate Apple Intelligence Features
Apple is gradually upgrading its device lineup to adopt its artificial intelligence features under the Apple Intelligence umbrella. While progress is underway, the pace is slow, with the newest iPad base model excluded from AI features entirely. However, the company is emphasizing its focus on third-party integrations with Apple Intelligence.
Simple, Yet Effective: Apple Intelligence in Third-Party Apps
The current state of Apple Intelligence is limited to basic, entry-level features, such as Writing Tools for text generation and summarization, and AI tools for art generation. While these offerings are expected to expand with future updates, you can now use these tools in third-party apps, elevating their power.
Real-World Applications
For example, you can use Image Playground, Apple’s generative art tool, to generate images within a Final Cut Pro project and then drop these images into the timeline to create a shot list or AI-generated storyboard. This can be done on an iPad, MacBook, or Mac compatible with Apple Intelligence.
iPad-specific Features
For the iPad, you can use your Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil Pro to integrate live drawings and scribbles into third-party apps. The Notability app for iPad has Apple Intelligence integrations that allow you to use text generation and image generation features within your notes, Apple Pencil or not. Similarly, the Bear notes app supports Apple Intelligence features almost as natively as the Apple Notes app, with some exceptions.
Designers’ Delight
Morpholio Trace, a designer app for creative professionals, features integrations powered by AI and the neural engine necessary to support Apple Intelligence. You can run the app on an iPad Air with an M3 processor and enjoy the ease of removing an image’s background with a couple of taps and real-time rendering of complex graphics.
Apple’s Expanded Graphics Capabilities
The new MacBook Air with the Apple M4 chip, iPad Air with the M3 chip, Mac Studio with an M4 Max chip, and M3 Ultra support all advanced graphics architectures. These devices are also a great way to test the neural engine’s capabilities with Apple Intelligence. These tools are more accessible than ever on midrange and high-end Apple devices, making it easier for students, small business owners, creators, and independent contractors to keep their AI running on-device and secure Apple servers.
What’s Next?
Apple has already released many of its promised AI features, but we’re looking forward to the iOS 18.5 drop to see what makes Apple Intelligence stand out. The 18.5 update is a few months from general release, with the iOS 18.4 update only in beta testing. iOS 18.5 is expected to bring the more attention-grabbing Siri updates that Apple showcased during its last WWDC event last summer. This is where you’ll be able to use Siri’s touted on-screen awareness, integrations with various native and third-party apps, and a more natural, conversational style that maintains the context of your preferences.
FAQs
- What is Apple Intelligence?
- Apple Intelligence is Apple’s artificial intelligence feature that enables AI-powered capabilities on Apple devices.
- What are the current features of Apple Intelligence?
- The current features of Apple Intelligence include Writing Tools for text generation and summarization, and AI tools for art generation.
- Can I use Apple Intelligence in third-party apps?
- Yes, you can use Apple Intelligence features in third-party apps, elevating their power.
- What devices support Apple Intelligence?
- The new MacBook Air with the Apple M4 chip, iPad Air with the M3 chip, Mac Studio with an M4 Max chip, and M3 Ultra support all advanced graphics architectures and are a great way to test the neural engine’s capabilities with Apple Intelligence.
