Apple is reportedly planning to open up its AI models to third-party developers at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2025, with the aim of fostering app creation and expanding Apple's intelligent capabilities. The tech giant is developing a Software Development Kit (SDK) that will enable developers to utilize compact, on-device AI models instead of more advanced cloud-based models, a strategy similar to Google's Gemini Nano AI on Android.
By opening up its AI technology, known as Apple Intelligence, Apple hopes to spark a new wave of intelligent applications, allowing developers to fully leverage its systems. Currently, developers can only integrate limited Apple Intelligence features, such as AI writing tools and image generators, but have not been able to tap into Apple's core AI models, known as Apple's foundational models, to build their AI-driven functionalities.
Apple has seemed to lag behind other companies in the AI space, such as Samsung and Google, which have already equipped their devices with advanced AI capabilities. Earlier this year, Apple paused its AI news summary feature due to inaccuracies that drew media discontent. Additionally, Apple's Genmoji tool, which generates custom emojis, has underperformed, often producing unsatisfactory results. Siri updates have also experienced delays.
By opening up its models, Apple can encourage developers to create unique applications, thereby enhancing the appeal of iPhones and Macs. It is expected that the announcement of open AI models will be one of the significant highlights at next month's WWDC. Furthermore, Apple is also planning a substantial redesign of its software for iPhones, iPads, and Macs, codenamed "Solarium," aiming to make these systems more unified and closer in appearance to the visionOS on its Vision Pro headset.
Developers may also gain new tools to build voice-driven features through Siri, although this is likely to be implemented with the release of iOS19. There are hints of other AI projects, including an energy-saving AI mode and a virtual health coach AI health app, but the latter is not expected to launch until 2026.