Mint Primer: Is iPhone 16 Really a Breakthrough Moment for Generative AI?

What’s so special about the iPhone 16?

In June, Apple showed off generative AI for its phones. At the time, it had limited the feature to its top-of-the-line “Pro” iPhone models. On September 9, Apple brought AI features to its entire new iPhone lineup, which is significant because Apple is one of the world’s largest consumer technology companies.

Last year, IDC estimated that Apple sold more than 234 million iPhones worldwide, with almost 10 million of those in India. Globally, its active user base is estimated at more than 1.3 billion people, almost 16% of the world’s population. That scale means Apple has a huge influence on how any technology is perceived.

How does this connect to Apple’s past?

In 2001, Apple introduced the iPod music player and the iTunes digital music platform. They proved to be groundbreaking in the history of the global music industry, creating the world of online music streaming as we know it today.

A similar moment occurred in 2007, when the late founder Steve Jobs introduced the touch-based iPhone. The device created the modern smartphone industry, in turn wiping out former market leaders Nokia and BlackBerry within a decade. The company’s focus on design has been closely emulated across industries, giving it the pedigree to bring generative AI into the mainstream.

Aren’t there any other phones with AI?

Yes. Google has already launched two more generations of AI-first Pixel phones since last year. Samsung, one of the world’s largest electronics conglomerates, has also launched three series of AI smartphones since January this year. Others, including China’s BBK Electronics, which sells brands like OnePlus, Vivo and Oppo, are also aggressively pursuing AI in smartphones.

Market experts believe that by the end of 2025, most new smartphones will be equipped with native, integrated AI features.

So why does the development of artificial intelligence depend on Apple’s success?

Apple’s scale and influence in global consumer markets tip the scales in its favor. Generative AI, while generating a huge global buzz, has yet to become ubiquitous among users and businesses. With nearly one in seven people worldwide being advertised as using an Apple product, the iPhone maker offers a ready-made platform on which the world can get used to AI.

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Experts in semantics and behavior say the iPhone could help AI break the habit of using gadgets. It could transform AI from a buzzword into a mainstream technology we become dependent on.

Is it fair to compare music to artificial intelligence?

Yes, but the strongest counterargument is that while music and touch-enabled phone screens were essential, generative AI — at least in its current form — is at best an enabler.

Experts say most generative features are redundant, making it unfair to compare them to something as ubiquitous as music. But then again, the evolution of consumer habits is largely based on convenience — the rise of India’s fast-paced retail sector is a perfect example. We’re also still in the early stages of generative AI. In the long run, as voice interfaces continue to grow, it could become essential in more ways than one.

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