Apple has finally entered the artificial intelligence (AI) fray with the launch of Apple Intelligence, a platform that integrates AI into its existing apps and services. The move comes after months of speculation, and it's clear that the tech giant has taken a pragmatic approach to AI, focusing on enhancing user experience rather than creating a standalone feature.

Apple Intelligence is not a single feature, but rather a collection of AI-powered tools that will operate behind the scenes to improve existing apps. The platform will debut with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 updates, with features like Writing Tools, Image Playground, and a revamped Siri experience.

The Writing Tools feature, powered by a large language model (LLM), will provide users with text summarization, proofreading, and even message composition capabilities. Image Playground, on the other hand, will allow users to generate custom emojis and visual content using prompts.

Siri, Apple's smart assistant, has also received a significant overhaul, with deeper integration into Apple's operating systems. The new Siri will be able to work across apps, allowing users to ask it to edit a photo and insert it directly into a text message, for instance.

Apple Intelligence will be available for free to users with compatible devices, including iPhone 16 models, iPad Pro, and MacBook Air, among others. The platform will also integrate with third-party apps, with ChatGPT integration debuting on iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2.

The launch of Apple Intelligence marks a significant shift in the AI landscape, with Apple taking a unique approach to AI development. By focusing on integrating AI into existing apps, Apple is betting on a more seamless user experience, rather than trying to create a standalone AI feature. This move is likely to have significant implications for the tech and startup community, as Apple's massive user base and ecosystem provide a fertile ground for AI innovation.