Apple CEO Tim Cook shared the company’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and its work in this field in an interview with Wired. Cook said that Apple started AI projects in 2017 and that this process progressed with the aim of integrating the technology into daily user experience. It was stated that the company focuses on the use of AI in many areas, especially health and security.
Cook stated that in 2017, Apple’s team working on neural engines was reassigned to integrate machine learning technologies into products. This team was also allegedly working on an autonomous vehicle development project at that time. However, the teams’ focus shifted towards applying AI to different Apple devices. Thus, the company’s AI infrastructure began to take shape at both the software and hardware levels.
Apple uses artificial intelligence to analyze data and understand user behavior, especially in the field of healthcare. This process, which starts with the heart rhythm monitoring feature of Apple Watch, continues with features that enable users to detect health problems such as sleep apnea. Cook stated that Apple developed technology to benefit people and said, “Technology should be used to improve human life. “Artificial intelligence is an important tool in this sense,” he said.
Apple’s AI-driven health solutions adopt an approach that prioritizes user privacy. The company prefers local processing of data on the device. This prevents user information from being transmitted to third parties or stored in central systems. In addition, complex transactions are carried out via remote servers, while extensive protocols are implemented to ensure data security.
Applications of AI outside of healthcare are also becoming increasingly evident in Apple’s product ecosystem. Features such as Siri becoming smarter, offering suggestions by learning user behavior, and photo editing are some of the examples that increase the functionality of artificial intelligence. Apple positions AI as a technology that improves the user experience but works in the background.
Tim Cook: The primary goal of our artificial intelligence investments is to make daily life easier
Cook stated that the primary goal of Apple’s artificial intelligence investments is to turn the technology into a tool that makes daily life easier and provides practical benefits. In addition, he emphasized that due to the company’s sensitivity to privacy, AI applications were developed to keep user data safe.