Apple’s Initial Truly AI-Powered Device Won’t Be an iPhone or a Mac

Apple is gearing up to embrace the AI trend with a multitude of AI-centric features set to debut in the upcoming iOS 18. While anticipation is high for the iPhone 16 series, expected to sport a new AI-capable chip alongside iOS 18, it appears that Apple has a different strategy in mind. According to a recent newsletter from prominent Apple analyst Mark Gurman, the iPhone won’t be the pioneer of the ‘truly AI-powered device’ era. Instead, that honor will go to an iPad.

Many of you may already be aware that Apple has issued invitations for its Let Loose event slated for May 7, 2024. The event is anticipated to unveil new iPad Pro and iPad Air models. While earlier speculations pointed to the new iPad Pro models featuring the M3 chipset, Gurman’s latest insights offer a fresh perspective.

According to Gurman, the forthcoming iPad will be equipped with the M4 chip rather than the initially speculated M3. This M4 chip will be touted as AI-capable, courtesy of its enhanced neural engine. This strategic move positions the iPad as Apple’s inaugural truly AI-powered device.

The rationale behind Apple’s potential decision to bypass the M3 chip in favor of the M4 lies in the fervent AI trend. Apple aims to cater to the growing demand for AI functionalities among users, ensuring it remains competitive in the market.

Gurman suggests that unveiling the iPad Pro featuring the M4 chip prior to the World Wide Developer Conference enables Apple to execute its AI chip strategy seamlessly. By launching the iPads in May, Apple can subsequently introduce AI features alongside iPadOS 18 in June. This strategic sequence allows Apple to promote iPads as cutting-edge AI-powered devices effectively.

Likewise, the A18 chipset expected to debut in the iPhone 16 series will also be positioned as an AI-capable chip.

However, Gurman suggests that Apple views the AI hype more as a marketing tactic.

“To be fair, however, these new products aren’t solely engineered and developed with AI as the primary focus. Part of this narrative is driven by marketing. Hardware with even more remarkable capabilities is still on the horizon,” clarified Mark Gurman.

The decision for Apple to potentially launch the upcoming iPad Pros with the M4 chip to recalibrate its AI strategy remains uncertain until the official confirmation at the event. However, if the tech giant opts for this course of action, it could mark a significant milestone in Apple’s AI trajectory.

Simultaneously, branding both the M4 chip and A18 chip as ‘AI-capable’ may entail that users with older chip-equipped devices could miss out on certain features. This poses a delicate balancing act for Apple.