Apple is rolling out a free software update, iOS 18, to bring artificial intelligence (AI) features to its iPhone 16 lineup. This update comes a few weeks after the new iPhone models hit the market, with prices ranging from $800 to $1, 200. The update will also be available for last year's premium models, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, as well as recent iPad and Mac models.

Users outside the U. S. will have to wait until next year for the AI software. Apple has been testing the update for over a month with a group of iPhone owners to fine-tune the technology. The update aims to make Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, more conversational and less prone to errors. However, Siri's interaction with other apps will only be possible with future updates.

The update will also introduce new AI features for writing, proofreading, summarizing emails, and editing photos. Apple plans to add more features, like creating custom emojis, in future updates. Some AI features are already available on smartphones from Samsung and Google.

Apple is calling its AI suite "Apple Intelligence" and promises better privacy protection. The new AI features are expected to boost demand for the latest iPhones during the holidays and into next year. Apple's stock price has risen 18% since it previewed its AI strategy in June, adding about $500 billion to its market value.

On Monday, Apple also announced that some AirPods models can now be used as hearing aids. This is significant as hearing loss affects many people worldwide.

Apple's New AI Update: What To Expect

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