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Writer's pictureRich Washburn

How Apple’s AI and Neural Engine are Transforming iOS 18


How Apple’s AI and Neural Engine are Transforming iOS 18

As Apple gears up to launch iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and the latest macOS updates, the spotlight is firmly on the groundbreaking AI features set to redefine user experience across Apple devices. At the heart of these advancements lies Apple's Neural Engine, an innovation that promises to bring unparalleled efficiency and intelligence to everyday tasks. Here’s an in-depth look at how Apple’s AI integration, powered by the Neural Engine, is set to enhance our digital lives.


Apple's commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into its ecosystem is evident in the array of new features expected in iOS 18. These enhancements are designed to streamline daily tasks and provide a more intuitive user experience. Key features include:


  • Photo Retouching: AI will enable advanced photo editing capabilities such as removing unwanted subjects or even repositioning people within an image.

  • Video Memo Transcription: Transforming spoken words into text, making note-taking and information retrieval more efficient.

  • Smart Replies: AI-generated suggestions for email and message responses, ensuring you can communicate quickly and effectively.

  • Custom Emojis: Generating emojis based on the context of conversations, adding a personal touch to your messages.

  • Smart Recap: Summarizing missed notifications and messages, providing a quick overview for users on the go.

  • Enhanced Search Capabilities: Improved Safari and Spotlight searches powered by AI for faster and more relevant results.

  • Personalized Apple Music Playlists: Automatically generated playlists tailored to your mood and preferences.

  • AI-Assisted Writing and Presentation Creation: In Pages and Keynote, AI will assist in drafting essays and creating slides, easing the workload for students and professionals alike.

  • AI Code Writing in Xcode: Streamlining the development process for coders.

  • Enhanced Siri Capabilities: Integrating large language models for more natural conversations and better user personalization.


Central to these AI features is the Neural Engine, a specialized component within Apple’s A-series and M-series chips. This innovation ensures that AI tasks are executed efficiently without overloading the main processor or graphics cores. Here’s how it works and why it’s a game-changer:


  • Dedicated AI Cores: The Neural Engine offloads AI tasks from the CPU and GPU, allowing these components to focus on other operations, thus improving overall device performance.

  • Efficiency and Speed: AI operations are performed at incredible speeds with minimal power consumption. For example, the latest A17 Pro chip can handle up to 35 billion operations per second.

  • Wide Application: From FaceTime’s advanced facial recognition and lighting adjustments to professional applications like color correction and noise removal in videos, the Neural Engine enhances a wide range of functionalities.

  • Evolution Over Time: Since its introduction in 2017 with the A11 Bionic chip, the Neural Engine has evolved from handling 6 billion operations per second to the M4’s staggering 38 trillion operations per second.


The integration of AI into Apple’s operating systems signifies a major leap forward in making technology more responsive and personalized. As these capabilities become fully utilized across all devices, users can expect:


  • Enhanced Productivity: With AI handling mundane tasks, users can focus more on creative and strategic activities.

  • Improved Accessibility: Features like smart recaps and AI transcription make technology more accessible to users with diverse needs.

  • Greater Personalization: AI-driven suggestions and customizations ensure a user experience tailored to individual preferences.


As Apple continues to push the boundaries of AI and machine learning, it’s crucial for users to stay informed and engaged. Apple’s giveaways, like the M3 MacBook Pro contest, foster community involvement and excitement around these technological advancements.


Apple’s integration of AI and the Neural Engine in iOS 18 marks a transformative step in personal technology. These innovations promise to enhance user experience, improve efficiency, and pave the way for future advancements. As we look forward to these updates, it’s clear that the future of Apple devices is not just smart, but incredibly intelligent.





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