Apple Gears Up for Virtual Event with AI-Enhanced iPads in the Spotlight
As anticipation builds, Apple is poised to host a virtual event this Tuesday, with industry insiders expecting the unveiling of new iPad models. Among the potential highlights is a new chip specifically engineered to boost artificial intelligence (AI) tasks on these devices. The company’s focus on AI comes as it competes with other tech giants in incorporating the technology into its products.
Typically, Apple has chosen May to introduce new iPads, aligning with the purchasing timeline of education sectors planning for the upcoming academic year. However, the tech giant has been repositioning its high-end iPad Pro models to appeal more to creative and business professionals. These tablets, which already feature Apple-designed chips akin to those in MacBook laptops, are rumored to receive an AI-centric processor upgrade.
Despite the buzz around AI, analysts like Mikako Kitagawa from Gartner are skeptical about whether current AI features will drive significant upgrades. Features such as enhanced video call framing and eye contact simulation may not be compelling enough for consumers to invest in new models. Kitagawa suggests that a “remarkable experience” is necessary to spur consumer interest.
Competitors like Microsoft and Google have aggressively integrated AI into their offerings, launching chatbots designed to simplify tasks such as email composition and coding. While these companies have seen their stock prices soar, Apple has experienced a 6% decline year-to-date amidst challenges like soft iPhone demand and fierce competition in China.
Apple CEO Tim Cook recently expressed optimism about the company’s AI prospects, teasing further announcements later in the year. Analyst Carolina Milanesi from Creative Strategies speculates that the upcoming iPads could serve as a platform for Apple to introduce new chips before its developer conference, where it may elaborate on its AI strategy.
Apple’s AI advancements could range from speeding up routine tasks to enhancing Siri’s capabilities to interact more deeply with apps. A critical consideration for Apple is how to enhance AI features while maintaining data processing on-device to uphold user privacy. Milanesi notes, “I always say that the AI is only as smart as the data it can get its hands on,” highlighting the balance Apple must strike between innovation and privacy.
