Apple has made artificial intelligence available on iPhones in Germany for the first time with the update to iOS 18.4.
The unlocked features include AI-assisted text editing, mail analysis, and image creation. The mail app automatically sorts incoming messages into four categories – Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions – and summarizes content upon request. Writing tools allow for rephrasing and corrections. With the "Image Playground," users can generate images via text input, while "Genmoji" creates individual emojis. In the photos app, unwanted objects can be removed from the background.
Despite the update, a central element is missing: the Siri upgrade. The new voice assistant, which according to Apple is supposed to operate contextually and independently link complex queries, is still not available – neither in Germany nor in the USA. Apple announced that the feature will be available at the earliest next year. In doing so, CEO Tim Cook highlighted Siri as the key to the AI strategy at WWDC in June 2023.
Apple responds with iOS 18.4 to the increasing pressure in the AI competition.
The market launch is selective and hardware-dependent. Older devices are left out, indicating the high system requirements of the AI models. At the same time, Apple deeply integrates the new functional layer into the system: ChatGPT is tightly integrated, Siri receives a redesigned interface, and can also be controlled via text input in the future.
With the iOS update, Apple indicates technological connectivity – but remains delayed in its core promise of AI-based everyday assistance via Siri.
