According to a recent report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is set to introduce a range of new artificial intelligence (AI) features in its upcoming iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates. The company aims to train Siri and the iPhone's Spotlight search tool on large language models, enhancing their ability to accurately answer complex questions.

The revamped version of the Spotlight search tool is expected to offer deeper integration with specific functions and features within apps, providing a more seamless user experience. For instance, users may be able to automatically generate playlists in Apple Music and presentation slides in the Keynote app with the help of AI.

In addition to these improvements, various built-in Apple apps are also rumored to gain deeper AI integration in iOS 18. Health, Messages, Numbers, Pages, and Shortcuts are among the apps that may benefit from enhanced AI capabilities. Apple is expected to introduce even more AI features in the future.

During an earnings call this month, Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed the company's focus on generative AI and promised to share more details later this year. The announcement of iOS 18 is anticipated to take place at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, with a release scheduled for September.

Rumors suggest that some of the new AI features may be exclusive to the highly anticipated iPhone 16 models, rumored to feature a significantly upgraded Neural Engine. This improvement could potentially enhance Siri's performance, making tasks like setting timers even better.

Despite previous criticism of Siri's limitations, Apple appears determined to catch up in the AI field. The company's effort to incorporate advanced AI features into its operating systems signals a more comprehensive approach to staying competitive in the market.

Furthermore, Bloomberg's report mentions Apple's plans to extend AI features to macOS 15 and its app development tool Xcode, demonstrating the company's commitment to integrating AI across its ecosystem.

While some users have expressed skepticism based on past disappointments with Siri, many hope that Apple will deliver substantial improvements with iOS 18. The addition of AI features is viewed as a desirable enhancement, but some users remain disappointed with Apple's slow progress in this area.

In other news, Apple has expanded its digital driver's license feature to include eight US states, following its launch last year. The company aims to provide a convenient and contactless way for residents in these states to display proof of identity or age through Apple Wallet.

Additionally, Apple is expected to unveil new MacBook Air, iPad Pro, and iPad Air models in the coming month, along with the release of iOS 17.4. The Taiwanese publication Economic Daily News has also recently reported that Apple's upcoming A18 and M4 chips will feature an upgraded Neural Engine, enhancing AI capabilities for future iPhone and Mac models.

As anticipation grows for the release of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, users eagerly await Apple's announcement at WWDC, hoping that the promised AI features will live up to their expectations.