On March 31, 2025, Apple announced a significant update to its artificial intelligence system, Apple Intelligence, which now supports the German language. This addition comes as part of the release of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4, which collectively expand the software's capabilities to include eight more languages. These include Chinese (simplified), French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, and localized English for Singapore and India. With this update, Apple Intelligence is now accessible to iPhone and iPad users in the European Union for the first time.
Apple Intelligence is designed to enhance user experience by summarizing missed emails and short messages, creating personalized emoji symbols, and retrieving information on demand. A significant aspect of this AI functionality is its operation primarily on the device, which is a crucial feature for ensuring user privacy. For more complex requests that demand greater computational power, the system utilizes a secure connection to Apple's cloud services.
Legal concerns previously hindered Apple Intelligence's rollout in the EU, primarily due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (DSGVO). These regulations impose strict requirements on major tech companies, known as "gatekeepers," mandating access to their platforms for other providers and prohibiting favoritism towards their services. Apple had expressed apprehension that compliance with these regulations could compromise the privacy and security measures integral to its AI features.
After extensive discussions with the European Commission, Apple confirmed that the AI features would be made available in the EU alongside the launch of iOS 18.4. The software was adjusted to comply with European guidelines, allowing users in the region to benefit from Apple Intelligence.
Apple Intelligence is compatible with all iPhone 16 models and the two flagship models of the previous generation, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Additionally, the system is available on Macs equipped with Apple Silicon chips (M1, M2, M3, and their variants) and on modern iPads featuring an M1 chip, as well as the iPad mini from the 7th generation (2024) with an A17 Pro chip and at least 8 GB of RAM.
According to Statista, Apple sold approximately 232.5 million iPhones globally last year, generating revenue of $201 billion (about 185 billion euros). The iPhone remains Apple's flagship product, and the company is keen to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
In a bid to catch up with competitors, Apple has integrated ChatGPT into its Siri and writing tools, enabling users to access the expertise of ChatGPT without the need to switch between applications. This integration allows for a more seamless experience, where users can ask questions or request assistance directly through Siri.
Apple Intelligence also features writing tools that help users improve their text by reformulating, proofreading, and summarizing their writing. These tools adapt to the language being used, providing a personalized experience for multilingual users. For example, if a user communicates in German, the writing tools will function accordingly, enhancing the overall user experience.
Another exciting feature is the Cleanup tool, which allows users to remove distracting objects from images, making it easier to focus on the subject they want to capture. This tool, along with Image Playground, encourages users to explore creative ways to express themselves visually. Image Playground offers various styles for generating images, including animation, illustration, and sketching, allowing users to create unique visual content effortlessly.
Furthermore, the new Genmoji feature takes emoji creation to another level. By simply typing a description, users can generate personalized emojis that reflect their friends or family members, making conversations more engaging and fun. These Genmojis can be customized with accessories and themes, adding a personal touch to digital communication.
Apple has also prioritized user focus with features like prioritized messages, which highlight urgent emails or notifications, ensuring that important communications are not overlooked. Users can view summaries of long message threads without opening each email, streamlining their communication experience.
As Apple continues to innovate, the integration of AI technologies like Apple Intelligence demonstrates the company's commitment to enhancing user experience while maintaining a strong focus on privacy and data security. With the introduction of these advanced features, Apple aims to solidify its position in the competitive landscape of smartphone technology.
The rollout of Apple Intelligence in German and other languages marks a significant milestone for the company as it seeks to cater to a broader audience. As users in the EU and beyond gain access to these powerful AI tools, Apple is poised to redefine how individuals interact with their devices.
