Now that I’ve spent practically a yr with the iPhone 16 Professional Max, I’m somewhat afraid of the iPhone 17 lineup, which is reportedly going to be launched at a September occasion. That is as a result of, after testing out a few of the different greatest telephones on the market, I believe the iPhone 17’s success will hinge largely on an improved Apple Intelligence.
Because it stands proper now — even with the discharge of the iOS 26 public beta, and now the most recent iOS 26 builders beta — Apple Intelligence options are beginning to really feel dated towards the competitors. And I am not simply saying that — I’ve examined out the brand new set of Galaxy AI options that launched with the Galaxy S25 Extremely earlier this yr, whereas the slew of recent Google AI options with the Pixel 10 are wanting very promising.
If Apple desires us to purchase the subsequent technology of its {hardware}, it might’t afford for a weak displaying with the iPhone 17 with Apple Intelligence. Right here’s why.
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It feels prefer it’s at all times taking part in catch up
(Picture credit score: Future)
When Apple Intelligence options first rolled out final yr alongside the rollout of iOS 18.1, it was already taking part in catch as much as its rivals.
Don’t get me flawed, I used to be simply as thrilled as everybody else after they lastly launched, however as soon as I broadened my horizons with different platforms, all of the sudden Apple Intelligence simply did not appear so ground-breaking anymore.
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Authentic.(Picture credit score: Future)Apple Pictures Clear Up.(Picture credit score: Future)Google Magic Eraser.(Picture credit score: Future)
Writing Instruments, Photograph Clear Up, and Siri enhancements all injected a lot wanted prefer to the iOS expertise, however none of them had been game-changers.
The truth is, I in contrast Photograph Clear As much as Magic Eraser — which Google debuted with the Pixel 6 again in 2021 — and whereas Apple’s model is intuitive to make use of, it’s nowhere as dependable or sensible as Magic Eraser in terms of producing new components. Simply check out the images I edited above to see what I imply.
That is indicative of how I really feel total about Apple Intelligence as a complete: It feels prefer it’s continually simply taking part in catch up.
The necessity for extra multimodal AI
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information / John Velasco)
One factor I’ve come to take pleasure in with the very best Android telephones is how I can use the Gemini app to entry extra multimodal AI experiences. Take for instance the Motorola Razr Extremely (2025) and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, two of the very best foldable telephones round proper now, that completely showcase the ability of multimodal AI.
Not solely can I’ve a dialog with Gemini Stay, however the really highly effective factor about this AI instrument is the way it goes to the subsequent degree by tapping into the digital camera to see what I see. Visible Intelligence is nearly related, however it’s far more restricted in what it might do.
Sure, I can use Visible Intelligence to be taught extra a few restaurant I wish to dine at, or how iOS 26 extends these capabilities to onscreen searches on my iPhone, however it lacks Gemini’s native multimodality and superior reasoning. When the ability went out in my residence, Gemini Stay inspected my circuit breaker to see if something was flawed with it — and when it observed a breaker was tripped, it instructed me on how you can reset it.
That could be a sensible, actual world utility of the ability of AI. I don’t need Apple Intelligence to match that, I would like it to exceed it.
iPhone 17 cameras may gain advantage essentially the most
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information)
I seize loads of images for work, typically in order that I can pit the very best digital camera telephones towards each other in our picture face-offs. Whereas the iPhone 16 Professional Max has carried out very properly, Apple Intelligence might make the iPhone 17 cameras even higher.
Samsung has leaned on Galaxy AI so as to add new options to its telephones, like the way it makes use of generative AI to transform commonplace movies into gradual movement. Likewise, the latest Pixel 10 reveal confirmed me how AI is having extra of an impact to how individuals seize content material — and the way they give the impression of being too.
Take for instance the Pixel 10’s new Digital camera Coach function, which makes use of Gemini to information customers on how you can seize a scene utilizing on-screen directions. It’s like having knowledgeable photographer proper there providing you with recommendation on how you can body the shot and alter the publicity. There’s additionally generative AI in Professional Res Zoom, an AI function unique to the Pixel 10 Professional and Pixel 10 Professional XL, that enhances zoom images with somewhat assist from AI.
Apple at present doesn’t have any Apple Intelligence options that particularly are tied to the in-camera expertise.
Apple at present doesn’t have any Apple Intelligence options that particularly are tied to the in-camera expertise. It’s merely counting on the {hardware} and picture processing algorithms to get the very best outcomes, however these received’t be sufficient to avoid wasting the iPhone 17.
No matter occurs at this rumored September iPhone occasion, Apple Intelligence can’t afford to have a weak displaying. Apple’s already behind Google and Samsung in terms of the quantity of AI options it presents, however it might pull itself forward if it lastly brings us new and revolutionary concepts round Apple Intelligence.
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