Apple's phone conference emphasizes AI in various aspects, Cook: We have unique advantages!

After Apple's first-quarter financial report showed a slowdown in iPhone sales, CEO Tim Cook seemed eager to assure analysts that the company is working hard to integrate AI into its products and services.

On May 2nd, Cook mentioned AI in various ways during Apple's first-quarter earnings call. He stated that Apple's investment in AI technology is significant, highlighting the company's unique advantages in the AI field through "seamless integration of hardware, software, and services," dedicated "neural engine" AI chips, and unwavering focus on privacy.

However, while Cook emphasized his optimism about Apple's future in AI, he continued to avoid discussing specific features or services that Apple may be developing. Rumors about Apple have been circulating in the market. Previously, there were rumors that Apple would introduce a series of new generative AI features for its latest iPhone operating system, iOS 18, at next month's Worldwide Developers Conference. There were also reports that Apple is exploring integrating OpenAI's generative AI capabilities into the iPhone.

During the earnings call, Cook also mentioned that the MacBook Pro equipped with the M3 chip is currently the best laptop on the market for handling AI models. When talking about the Apple Watch, he emphasized two features already using AI algorithms—irregular heart rate detection and fall detection.

When asked about how AI is changing Apple's research and capital expenditures, Apple's CFO Luca Maestri stated that Apple has invested over $100 million in related research and development over the past five years, without specifying how much was allocated to AI.

It is worth noting that there have been some misconceptions in the market about Apple's upcoming product releases. Initial reports suggested that Cook mentioned during the earnings call that the company would discuss AI technology at next week's iPad event and also have "significant AI plans" to announce at the June Worldwide Developers Conference.

However, after clarification, it turns out that Cook's full remarks did not imply that Apple would release AI software at the hardware event next week, but the company still plans to showcase its innovations in AI software during the June Worldwide Developers Conference.

Here is the clarified full quote:

"Looking ahead, we are preparing for an exciting product launch next week that we think customers will love. Next month, we will host the Worldwide Developers Conference, which has generated great enthusiasm among developers. We can't wait to show what we have prepared."