Apple’s privacy bet on iOS 18: Local processing

Apple’s privacy bet on iOS 18: Local processing

Time Stamp: April 15, 2024 5:40 AM
Source Node: 2545863

Apple’s upcoming iOS 18 AI enhancements are likely to predominantly utilize local processing capabilities to prioritize user privacy and data security.

Google and Samsung have been actively embedding AI technology into their top-tier smartphones, and Apple is set to join this trend with its upcoming iOS 18 launch. According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to operate its AI features directly on the device, bypassing the need for cloud processing.

“As the world awaits Apple’s big AI unveiling on June 10, it looks like the initial wave of features will work entirely on-device. That means there’s no cloud processing component to the company’s large language model, the software that powers the new capabilities,” Gurman states.

What is local processing: Local processing refers to the execution of tasks directly on a device, such as a smartphone, computer, or other hardware, without relying on external servers or cloud-based systems. This method involves using the device’s own processing power to handle data and run applications. The main advantages of local processing include improved privacy, as data does not need to be transmitted over the internet, and potentially faster response times, since it eliminates the delay that can occur with data transmission to and from cloud servers. It’s particularly relevant in contexts where data security is crucial or where connectivity might be inconsistent.

Apple’s choice to utilize device-based processing for AI offers advantages such as faster response times and improved privacy, as data does not leave the device. Yet, this method might limit the use of powerful cloud computing needed for more complex AI functionalities. For instance, Samsung’s Galaxy AI features offline functions like Interpreter and typing aids, and Google has created the Gemini Nano AI, which also runs locally on devices.

Apple's privacy bet on iOS 18: Local processing
 The forthcoming iOS 18 is expected to enhance generative AI features across Apple’s range of applications (Image credit)

Nonetheless, current smartphone hardware faces challenges in supporting high-end large language models such as ChatGPT without cloud assistance. Therefore, some of the more intricate AI functions from Samsung and Google still rely on cloud computing power. Gurman suggests that Apple could integrate cloud computing into its features, potentially using Google’s Gemini technology or another service. Samsung’s Galaxy AI allows users to choose between cloud-based and local processing for some functionalities, trading off higher quality or broader capabilities for increased privacy.

Apple’s emphasis on local AI processing indicates its commitment to bolstering its reputation for protecting user privacy. The forthcoming iOS 18 is expected to enhance generative AI features across Apple’s range of applications, with anticipated upgrades to the Spotlight search functionality, Siri’s handling of complex queries, and advanced image editing tools in the Photos app.

When is the release date of iOS 18?

Apple plans to showcase iOS 18 and its new AI features at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), scheduled from June 10 to June 14.

Featured image credit: zhang kaiyv/Unsplash

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