Can Apple catch up? Apple Intelligence just shipped, yet someone already made “a better version of the Apple Intelligence Writing Tools for Windows” for free
Apple insiders recently expressed worries that the company lags two years behind competitors in the fast-growing AI market.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
Apple toots its horn as a privacy and security-focused company, ramping up a broad user base across its ecosystem. Its competitors, including Microsoft and Google, have a significant competitive edge against the iPhone maker in the AI landscape because of their early investment and adoption of the technology.
While Apple might be considered a late bloomer in the AI space, it seemingly caved to the mounting pressure from competitors who have been flying high, briefly ranking asthe world’s most valuable company with a market cap of over $3 trillion.
In June at the WWDC 2024 conference,Apple unveiled Apple Intelligence, potentially helping it catch up with Microsoft, Google, and other key players in the sector. Indeed, the announcement propelledthe iPhone maker to become the world’s most valuable company ahead of Microsoft and NVIDIA.
Over the years, Apple has subtly built a reputation for taking time before jumping face-first into new ventures but becoming the best at everything it dabbles in. This might be the case with its new AI strategy which has seemingly taken eons to ship since it was announced. However, the tech giant recently shipped its first wave of AI-powered features to broad availability, including writing tools, Genmoji, and a revamped Siri.
More sophisticated AI features, including ChatGPT and Visual Intelligence, will reportedly ship to Apple’s ecosystem via the iOS 18.2 update in December. Interestingly, Apple insiders have raised concerns over the iPhone maker’s AI strategy, citing fearsApple Intelligence could be two years behind OpenAI’s ChatGPT:
“Some at Apple believe that its generative AI technology – at least, so far – is more than two years behind the industry leaders.”
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman admits ChatGPT is more accurate than Siri, and can answer 30% more questions. “It’s hard to count Apple out,” added Gurman.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
Even avid Windows users can get a taste of Apple Intelligence completely free
As highlighted by Apple, Writing Tools are part of Apple Intelligence’s package, which will allow users to rewrite, proofread, and summarize text across Apple’s ecosystem, including Mail, Messages, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.
DISCLAIMER:Running third-party apps could potentially brick your device. Proceed with caution!
While there’s a wide array of writing tools, both paid and free,you can access Apple Intelligence’s new Writing Tools in Windows. According to the developer (theJayTea on Github), the Writing Tools are reminiscent of Apple’s Intelligent features, and what’s more, Windows and Linux users can access them for free.
The developer indicates:
Interestingly, the free and open-source Writing tools emulate Apple’s privacy and security across its services. Users might run into issues while using the tools, including failure to work on Microsoft Word, long launch time, and Writing Tools that might not work correctly with the default hotkey on some devices.
Like its competitors in the same arena, including ChatGPT andCopilot, Apple could reportedly start charging between $10 and $20 for its new AI services. While the Writing Tools are just the tip of the iceberg of Apple Intelligence, it’s a nice touch that Windows users can experience Apple Intelligence without breaking the bank for new hardware and subscription plans.
🎃The best early Black Friday deals🦃
Kevin Okemwa is a seasoned tech journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya with lots of experience covering the latest trends and developments in the industry at Windows Central. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for detail, he has written for leading publications such as OnMSFT, MakeUseOf, and Windows Report, providing insightful analysis and breaking news on everything revolving around the Microsoft ecosystem. You’ll also catch him occasionally contributing at iMore about Apple and AI. While AFK and not busy following the ever-emerging trends in tech, you can find him exploring the world or listening to music.
