The first batch of AI features from Apple has arrived! They also released a new iMac with the most powerful M4 chip configuration

On Monday, October 28th, Apple released a new iMac all-in-one desktop computer equipped with the latest and most powerful M4 chip and artificial intelligence (Apple Intelligence) features, priced at $1299, available for pre-order now and shipping on November 8th.

At the same time, iPhones, iPads, and Macs that meet the hardware requirements can also use Apple Intelligence features, including integrating ChatGPT services into Siri and the next batch of AI features for image generation will be launched in December.

After the announcement, Apple continued to hit daily highs and rose over 1%, nearing a recovery of all losses since last Tuesday.

This week is significant for Apple, not only releasing major software and hardware updates, but also set to announce the financial results for the fourth quarter of the 2024 fiscal year after Thursday's market close. According to the company's Chief Marketing Officer Greg Joswiak, there may be more new Mac computers with M4 chip released this week.

Wall Street News has mentioned that the AI features released this week are the first batch, relatively routine and basic features, such as: integrating writing tools for summarizing and rewriting text into applications, AI image cleaning in photos, summary of articles and notifications, and a redesigned typing experience for Siri. The new batch of AI features expected to be released in December will be more exciting, including integrating ChatGPT into Siri services.

iMac completely removes the Lightning port, adds a more advanced screen, and upgrades RAM collectively to at least 16GB to support AI

First, let's look at the iMac update. This is a new desktop computer launched by Apple just one year after the release of the iMac with M3 chip. It looks similar to the 2021 version of the iMac with M1 chip after a major redesign, with main changes in color schemes, processor and memory upgrades, replacing the Lightning port with USB-C, and the option for a more advanced display.

The new iMac still offers seven color options: green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver, but with deeper tones and color-matched accessories instead of softer huesThe entry-level model starts at $1299, equipped with two Thunderbolt USB-C 4 ports, while the higher-end model starts at $1499, with four of the aforementioned ports and an additional Gigabit Ethernet port. Some analysts suggest that the USB-C ports support the fastest Thunderbolt 4 standard, allowing users to transfer large videos and other files more quickly.

The new iMac retains the same 24-inch 4.5K Retina display as earlier models, with the option to upgrade to a nano-texture display for an additional $200 on higher-end configurations, which can help reduce reflections and glare if the computer is placed near a window. The 27-inch iMac previously powered by Intel chips has been discontinued.

Regarding the choice of the M4 chip, the entry-level model comes with an eight-core CPU and eight-core GPU, which can be upgraded to a ten-core CPU and GPU. All models have a minimum of 16GB of RAM, doubled from previous versions, to support AI experiences more smoothly, with the option to upgrade to 32GB. The base storage is 256GB, with the option to upgrade to 2TB for a fee.

Additionally, the latest iMac features a 1080p camera, a six-speaker sound system, and three "studio-quality" microphones. Apple has also added Center Stage to the 12-megapixel front camera, which automatically keeps the user's face centered during video calls. It supports up to two additional 6K displays, as well as updated Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard.

Apple first introduced the M4 chip using the "second-generation 3-nanometer process" in the new iPad Pro in May, and the iMac becomes the first Mac computer product line to feature this chip this week. Two weeks ago, Apple also unexpectedly launched the iPad Mini with AI support and the A17 Pro chip.

The M4 prioritizes efficiency and speed, with Apple stating that the latest iMac will be 1.7 times faster than the M1 chip in the 2021 iMac, with graphics processing speed increased by 2.1 times, even six times faster than the older iMac with Intel chips.

Furthermore, with the release of MacOS Sequoia 15.1 and iPadOS 18.1 today, devices equipped with the M4 chip can now start using the new Apple Intelligence AI features.

It is worth noting that, unlike the iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, and the latest iPhone 16 series phones that support AI functions, any Mac computer with an M1 or higher chip since 2021 can run Apple AI

Apple's first batch of AI features end testing and officially launch, writing tools and content summaries are very appealing, with December updates being even more important

Apple also released the iOS 18.1 mobile operating system update on Monday, allowing users who meet the device configuration requirements to experience the first batch of AI features. These features were first mentioned at the WWDC Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

Wall Street News has mentioned that the first batch of AI features are relatively standard, including writing tools integrated into applications for summarizing and rewriting text, image cleaning to remove objects in photos, summary of emails and notifications, redesigned Siri typing input, audio transcription to text summaries in the Notes program, and smart replies for Messages.

To experience AI, users first need to download iOS 18.1 in "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update", then apply to "Join the Apple Waiting List" in "Settings" > "Apple Intelligence and Siri". Approval is usually granted within a day in the beta version, and then the user's phone will start downloading the large files required to run Apple Intelligence (such as Apple's AI models).

It is widely expected that the new batch of AI features to be released in December will be more exciting, including integrating ChatGPT into Siri services and launching image generation tools that can better compete with Google and other competitors.

The improved Siri today will have a new text interface appearance, answer more questions about Apple products, help troubleshoot devices, and have a more natural voice, but still cannot perform operations within multiple applications. However, now users can access Siri by swiping up from the bottom of the screen without having to speak loudly to make queries.

Apple's AI writing tool can be displayed in any text input location in the operating system, including third-party applications. Users need to select a large block of text, choose to rewrite it in a more "friendly," "professional," or "concise" style using AI. The latest "Photos" app has smarter search capabilities, understands natural language, and can generate video clips from user photos.

Analysts from banks such as Bank of America had previously predicted that, given Apple Intelligence's AI features will be released in batches, the first batch of features may be slightly disappointing, and the stimulus for upgrading devices may only be evident in subsequent feature iterations.

Some analysts believe that the release of the first batch of AI features is an important milestone for Apple, as it can drive sales of the iPhone 16 series released last month and address Wall Street's questions about Apple's artificial intelligence strategyAs the 2024 fiscal year Q4 financial report approaches, Goldman Sachs optimistically expects profits to significantly exceed consensus expectations.

For example, Apple's AI functionality will use chips on the mobile side to operate, instead of investing billions of dollars like other major competitors to develop cloud-based artificial intelligence systems powered by NVIDIA chips, so running AI on Apple phones requires hardware upgrades. Similarly, only iPads equipped with the A17 Pro chip can use AI functions.

In addition, compared to products like ChatGPT, the uniqueness of Apple's AI system lies in its small model approach. The new Apple Intelligence feature is trained on specific, selective datasets for specific functions, rather than the large-scale black box approach used by other systems