Apple's AI is at least 2 years behind its competitors according to insiders

Apple Intelligence has stood tall as the company's torchbearer in the AI race, alongside Meta, Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. While the AI toolkit was first revealed at WWDC 2024 in June, it will be deployed in stages alongside the iOS 18.1 update next week, enabling some basic functions on eligible devices. However, customers would have to wait until early 2025 to fully experience Apple Intelligence.

While Apple Intelligence is a great addition to compatible iPhones, it is unlikely to make a significant impact in the market, particularly when compared to alternative systems like as OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. However, even some Apple insiders fear the company is falling behind competitors in terms of AI development.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple insiders have informed him of internal research that show ChatGPT is 25% more accurate than Siri and can answer 30% more queries. Finally, Apple employees determined that the business is more than two years behind industry leaders.

Looking at the products of the competition, it's clear that those sceptical Apple employees are not far off the mark. The impending iOS 18.1 update will include features including a Clean Up tool in Photos, Writing Tools, and text and notification summaries for eligible devices. To be fair, they aren't the kinds of capabilities that an iPhone 16 user would want to show off to an Android acquaintance.

Meanwhile, it would be a mistake to underestimate Apple's competitiveness in the AI competition. While not always the first to innovate, the tech behemoth has a proven track record of catching up with and even outperforming the competition. Apple is well-positioned to bridge the gap by attracting top talent and expanding the reach of its AI toolbox to more devices, such as the M4 Macs, new iPads, and the incoming iPhone SE 4.