Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event on September 9, 2024, delivered a clear message: Intelligence Everywhere. Held at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, the event showcased a new iPhone lineup and software enhancements, signaling a significant shift in how users interact with their iPhones, leverage artificial intelligence, and manage their finances. CEO Tim Cook and other Apple executives unveiled the iPhone 16 series and the deeper integration of “Apple Intelligence,” setting the stage for a new era of personalized and streamlined user experiences.
iPhone 16: Built for Intelligence
The centerpiece of the event was undoubtedly the iPhone 16 series. Apple emphasized that these devices are specifically “built for Apple Intelligence,” highlighting the close relationship between hardware and AI capabilities. However, this integration comes with a caveat: Apple Intelligence features are exclusively available on the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the newer iPhone 16 models. This limitation stems from the hardware requirements of Apple Intelligence, specifically the A17 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM, according to Apple’s official announcement. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, for instance, boasts advanced camera capabilities, including shooting 4K 120 fps slow-motion videos, a feature enabled by its enhanced processing power.
Exclusivity and Hardware Requirements
The decision to limit Apple Intelligence to specific iPhone models means that owners of older devices, including the standard iPhone 15, will miss out on these new AI-powered features. This strategic move likely aims to drive upgrades to the latest iPhone models, capitalizing on the demand for AI-driven functionalities. Apple’s emphasis on the A17 Pro chip and 8GB RAM as prerequisites underscores the computational intensity of Apple Intelligence, suggesting that older hardware simply cannot handle the processing load. This aligns with Apple’s history of leveraging hardware innovations to unlock new software capabilities.
Apple Intelligence: A New Era of Personalization
First announced at WWDC 2024, Apple Intelligence is now deeply woven into the iPhone ecosystem. The company is touting a more personalized and helpful user experience. The suite of AI features includes enhanced writing tools that can rewrite text in various styles, a summary function for emails, and automatic reply suggestions. These features aim to boost productivity and streamline communication. The Photos app is also getting an upgrade with a “cleanup” tool, allowing users to easily remove unwanted objects or people from their images. This feature simplifies photo editing and enhances the overall user experience.
Siri’s Transformation
Siri has undergone a significant overhaul, featuring a more natural, conversational tone and a new visual glow when activated. Users now have the option to type their requests to Siri, providing greater flexibility in how they interact with the assistant. Apple has emphasized that these Apple Intelligence features are designed with privacy at their core, with much of the processing occurring on-device. This commitment to privacy aligns with Apple’s broader stance on data security and user control.
Wallet: Streamlining Finances
The Wallet app is also seeing major updates, particularly with the rollout of new features in iOS 18 and iOS 26. A key change is the replacement of Apple Pay Later (discontinued in 2024) with a new “Pay Later Options” feature. This update integrates third-party “buy now, pay later” services like Klarna and Affirm directly into the Wallet app, making installment payment options more accessible and manageable for users. This strategic shift aims to streamline financing options for new iPhone purchases, acknowledging the increasing cost of devices and helping to reduce the upfront financial burden for consumers. According to Apple’s official statement, this integration provides users with greater flexibility and control over their payment options.
Enhanced Features and Integrations
Building on iOS 17’s enhancements, the Wallet app continues to improve order tracking with Apple Maps support, digital receipts, and a “Track with Apple Wallet” button for online purchases. These features provide users with a centralized hub for managing their online transactions and tracking their deliveries. iOS 17 also introduced the “Tap to Present ID on iPhone” feature, allowing users in supported states to verify their identity or age at businesses using their digital driver’s license or state ID stored in Wallet. This feature streamlines identity verification and reduces the need to carry physical identification cards. Apple’s support page details the specific states and businesses that support this functionality.
The Future of Apple: Integrated Intelligence
Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event showcased a clear vision for the future: a world where technology seamlessly integrates into daily life, powered by artificial intelligence and designed with user privacy in mind. The iPhone 16 series, Apple Intelligence, and the updated Wallet app represent significant steps toward this vision. While the hardware requirements for Apple Intelligence may limit access for some users, the new features and enhancements promise a more personalized, efficient, and secure user experience for those who upgrade. The integration of third-party services into the Wallet app further streamlines financial management, making it easier for users to manage their finances on the go. Ultimately, the event underscored Apple’s commitment to innovation and its focus on creating a cohesive ecosystem of products and services.
