Apple Stock News: AI Push Implied by Startup Acquisitions
Apple Stock News: Apple has quietly acquired AI startups and hired staff to integrate on-device AI into its upcoming iPhones, targeting the challenge of running AI on mobile devices. The company is focusing on generative AI locally on-device, acquiring startups like WaveOne for AI-powered video compression. Recent reports mention Apple’s progress with the “Ajax” large language model and its emphasis on optimizing for on-device use, planning enhancements like an improved iPhone 16 microphone. Apple is expected to unveil generative AI tools at WWDC in June, possibly featuring Siri powered by a large language model.
Apple Car Autonomous Driving Scaled Down
Apple has adjusted its approach to the Apple Car, opting for a simpler design with fewer features, moving away from the initial goal of a fully autonomous vehicle. The focus is now on a Level 2+ autonomous system, akin to Tesla’s, providing driver-assistance features like steering and brake/acceleration support. The launch timeline has been pushed to at least 2028, representing a critical juncture for the project. Apple’s executives may reconsider the project’s viability if the envisioned electric vehicle cannot be delivered with the specified features. Leadership changes and internal debates have marked the evolution of the Apple Car project since its unveiling in 2014.
More Advanced Main Camera Sensor
The upcoming iPhone 16 Pro Max is set to boast an enhanced main camera with a customized 48-megapixel Sony IMX903 sensor, featuring advanced capabilities such as a stacked design, a 14-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), and Digital Gain Control (DCG) for improved performance, image conversion, and noise control. The camera sensor will be 12% larger at 1/1.14 inches, promising better dynamic range, background blur, and enhanced low-light photography. The leak also hints at a slightly more curved screen design for the next-generation high-end iPhones, maintaining a similar thickness to their predecessors. The iPhone 16 lineup is anticipated to launch in the fall.
Apple Music Classical
Apple Music Classical has expanded its availability to China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao, following Apple’s recent commitment to roll out the service in these regions. Launched in most countries in March 2023, Apple Music Classical provides subscribers access to over five million classical tracks, exclusive albums, curated playlists, and features such as composer bios. The app has a dedicated interface for exploring classical music, enabling searches by composer, work, conductor, catalog number, and more. Users in the specified regions can pre-order the app on the App Store, while a standard Apple Music subscription in the U.S. costs $10.99 per month. Apple had acquired Primephonic in 2021 to integrate its classical music streaming service into Apple Music through a dedicated app for the genre.
