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Apple has recently unveiled the new iPhone 16, which will feature the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence. Although this AI technology is still in development and is being tested by early adopters, the new iPhone models are expected to showcase these capabilities. However, the new AI features have raised privacy concerns amongst thise who have chosen the iPhone specifically for its heightened security.
This new AI technology promises many enhancements to the current capabilities the iPhone allows. These include email prioritization, text summarization, simplified image search, and personalized emojis. One of the most anticipated features is an upgraded Siri, which will finally offer more contextual and conversational interactions. Siri will eventually be able to perform tasks such as adding new contacts, forwarding pictures, and handling other personalized requests. Apple even gave the example that users will be able to say “Play that podcast Jamie recommended,” and Siri will find and play the episode without needing the user to recall where it was mentioned.
While many tasks will be processed directly on the device to protect user privacy, some complex operations, like image generation or extensive text summarization, will require connections to a larger server-based language model. Apple assures that this data is secure and inaccessible even to its own staff. However, Siri will also have access to ChatGPT’s capabilities, tapping into its expertise when beneficial. According to Apple, Siri will always ask for user consent before utilizing ChatGPT and sending any files.
Despite these assurances, there is concern about integrating ChatGPT, given its controversial reputation related to privacy issues, according to Cybernews. Ash Shatrieh, a threat intelligence researcher at F-Secure, noted that while Apple’s approach to AI is privacy-focused, the integration with ChatGPT raises concerns. Users have valid reasons to be cautious, given past data exploitation reports by other tech companies.
Although Apple aims to set new privacy standards, the introduction of smart Siri won’t occur until 2025. By then, it is hoped that Apple will have addressed these privacy concerns more comprehensively.
