Apple is preparing a significant artificial intelligence feature update for the next generation of iPhone and iPad operating systems. The update includes grammar checking, natural language shortcuts, and AI wallpaper generation, aiming to close the functional gap with Android competitors. These features are reportedly scheduled for release with iOS 27 and iPadOS 27. Apple will officially unveil the new systems at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, with a public release expected in September. This upgrade comes as rivals like Alphabet and Samsung accelerate their push into consumer AI. Just last week, Alphabet launched Android 17 and Gemini Intelligence, introducing features like AI-generated home screen widgets, a "Rambler" voice dictation mode, and support for cross-application task coordination. According to earlier reports, Apple's upcoming AI features will also include a new Siri mode capable of analyzing visual data through the camera app, several editing tools for the Photos application, and a redesigned Siri assistant with enhanced interface and deeper app control capabilities.
Comprehensive Upgrade for Grammar Checking and Writing Tools
For AI writing capabilities, Apple is developing a grammar checking tool that functions similarly to Grammarly. The feature appears as a semi-transparent menu that pops up from the bottom of the screen, displaying the original text alongside suggested revisions. Users can choose to accept suggestions individually, adopt all changes at once, or simply ignore them. The menu also provides options to pause grammar checking and navigate between marked text sections. This functionality represents an extension of Apple's Writing Tools suite introduced in 2024, which already includes proofreading and text summarization capabilities. Furthermore, Apple is testing a "Write With Siri" toggle at the top of the keyboard and a "Help Me Write" option that appears when users invoke Siri within text editing interfaces, aiming to increase the visibility of AI writing features at the system level.
Natural Language Shortcut Creation
Apple is also implementing a major upgrade to its productivity app, Shortcuts. The current version requires users to manually build shortcut workflows within the app or download them from Apple's official gallery. The new version will allow users to create shortcuts by describing their needs in natural language. By simply entering a prompt like "what do you want the shortcut to do," the system will automatically build and install the shortcut on the device. This feature has broad applicability, covering scenarios such as sharing calendar availability, consolidating PDF files, or automating tasks like opening a garage door and turning on lights upon arriving home.
AI Wallpaper Generation to Match Competitor Features
Apple also plans to introduce an AI wallpaper generation feature, enabling users to create personalized background images for their lock screens and home screens. This capability will be supported through the Image Playground application and integrated into the system's wallpaper selection interface. Alphabet and Samsung have long offered generative AI wallpaper features, and Apple's move aims to address this notable gap. Combined with the previously disclosed visual analysis Siri mode, Photos editing tools, and the redesigned Siri assistant, Apple is building a more systematic AI capability framework to counter the ongoing competitive pressure from the Android ecosystem.
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