Mark Gurman's latest newsletter says Apple may mark AI features in iOS 18 as beta or preview , which is similarly what the company called Siri at launch.
Gurman's article provides plenty of impressive details about Apple's plans for iOS 18, from customizable icon colors to AI-generated personal emoji. But it also contains criticism that I think is unfounded…
The story about how Apple is falling behind in artificial intelligence
Gourmet says:
But even now, there are signs that the company's artificial intelligence initiative is a work in progress. Apple is considering promoting these capabilities as a preview (at least in beta versions for developers before the official launch in September), indicating that the technology is not yet fully implemented.
It would an unfortunate move, especially considering Apple's history. Siri launched as a beta tester in 2011 and, given its difficulties with competition, may still look like one.
The story is that Apple got caught and left behind in AI — preceded the explosion of generative AI in the mainstream. People have been saying for years that Siri is dumber than competing smart assistants like Alexa, and I've previously pointed out the “yes, but” argument in that statement.
Today it is generative AI. Technology companies such as OpenAI, Microsoft and Google are actively offering generative AI products and services; Apple isn't there yet. Consequently, as many media outlets say, the iPhone maker was caught by surprise.
This latest report plays into that idea. That even when Apple finally moves into generative AI, it will be an early, preliminary set of features that it will designate as a preview or beta.
I do think Gurman is likely right that Apple plans to use the beta label – but not to criticize the company for it. Because I think there is a simple truth that is too often ignored…
Everything is generative AI is a beta
The world seems so infatuated with what generative AI can do that we seem willing to ignore its often glaring shortcomings.
I made a point where ChatGPT was new and shiny, pointing out examples of everything from demanding payment for translation work to calling an engineer and physicist a psychopath and a monster.
Some of these larger issues may have since been fixed, but AI hallucinations are when the system Confidently gives completely wrong or completely crazy answers – remain an everyday experience.
In the last few days alone, nutrition tips from AI tools have included adding glue to pizza, eating rocks, and cooking spaghetti with gasoline.
Apple could just be more honest about this
Best comment by Anthony Thompson
How many of us used a Fitbit while was creating his watch. It's always frustrating to wait for a great product, but it happens. I have learned to live and trust that they often take longer than we think is necessary. The wait, as usual, was worth it. We shouldn't think of software as something else. I'd rather trust Siri and not eat rocks.
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Yes, I believe Apple is considering designating the AI features in iOS 18 as beta—because they are. Like any other generative AI service product.
Perhaps ChatGPT should have the last word on this:
Sometimes the output may be factually incorrect, meaningless, or inconsistent […] AI models can inherit biases present in their training data, leading to biased or unfair results […]
In summary, generative AI can be reliable within certain parameters and use cases, but it is important to recognize its limitations and actively work to improve and validate its results.
In my opinion look, that's a pretty good definition of beta.
Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash
