Apple recently launched its new AI features, Apple Intelligence, for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. However, these updates haven’t lived up to the hype. The slow rollout, limited features, and overlap with existing tools like ChatGPT make Apple Intelligence feel less necessary. Here’s why ChatGPT already meets most AI needs.
1. Slow Rollout vs. ChatGPT’s Easy Access
Apple’s approach to Apple Intelligence is different from its usual big updates. The rollout started with iOS 18.1, but many key features—like AI image generation—won’t be available until iOS 18.2. Even after updating, users must join a waitlist for Apple Intelligence, and it’s only available for U.S. devices using English right now.
In comparison, ChatGPT has been widely accessible for years, with no restrictions or staggered updates. It’s easy to use across platforms, making Apple’s gradual release seem late to the game rather than revolutionary.
2. Features Are Similar to Existing Tools
Apple Intelligence’s new features closely match what tools like ChatGPT already offer. For example, Apple’s Writing Tools for rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text are similar to ChatGPT’s functions. However, Apple’s tools only show up when text is highlighted, making them less convenient.
Other features, like Smart Replies in Messages and Summaries for notifications, copy ideas from services such as Gmail’s Smart Reply. Meanwhile, ChatGPT provides more accurate responses that get better over time, making Apple’s offerings seem less refined.
3. Siri Still Can’t Compete with ChatGPT
Even with updates like a new look and improved understanding of questions, Siri is still not that different from before. It often just responds with “Here’s what I found on the web,” which isn’t much help.
In contrast, ChatGPT offers a more engaging experience, understanding detailed questions, remembering the conversation, and giving more tailored responses. Although Apple says future updates will make Siri smarter, many doubt it will ever truly catch up to ChatGPT.
4. Apple Intelligence Feels Like Playing Catch-Up
Apple Intelligence introduces features like Clean Up for editing photos and Visual Intelligence for identifying objects using the camera. While these are useful, they aren’t new. Google has had similar features, like Magic Eraser and Google Lens, for years.
Even the new photo search capabilities, which let you find pictures based on context, have been available in Google Photos for a while. So, Apple Intelligence doesn’t feel like a big step forward; it feels more like catching up to what’s already out there.
5. Privacy Focus Isn’t Enough to Win Over Users
Apple highlights that it keeps AI processing on the device using its Private Cloud Compute technology, which helps protect user data. While this focus on privacy is great, it doesn’t necessarily make the AI experience better.
ChatGPT still stands out because of its wide availability and ability to perform many tasks across different platforms, even if Apple offers stronger privacy. It makes you wonder if Apple’s privacy focus is enough to convince users to switch.
Image by Lukas Gehrer from Pixabay