Inside Apple Intelligence: How iStore's New AI Unleashes the Future of Personalised Tech

On 6 November 2024, iStore hosted an exclusive event to showcase Apple Intelligence—a groundbreaking AI-driven assistant designed to personalise productivity on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Linda van der Nest, iStore’s Chief Commercial Officer kicked off the event with insights on the essential role of AI in today’s fast-paced digital landscape, encouraging attendees to embrace tools like Apple Intelligence to work smarter, not harder. Following her welcome, Lance van der Molen, Head of iStore Business, led a detailed briefing on the potential of Apple Intelligence in optimising everyday tasks and professional work alike.

Privacy-First AI: Apple’s Answer to Data Security

Apple Intelligence sets itself apart with a privacy-centric approach. Leveraging the on-device processing power of the A17 Pro, A18 Pro, and M chips. This privacy-centred approach ensures sensitive data remains on the device, unlike most AI platforms that rely on cloud processing. The system combines privacy, performance, and context-awareness, supporting a range of functionalities, from contextual Siri recommendations to on-screen action suggestions—fostering a uniquely secure, intuitive AI experience.

Beyond Siri enhancements, Apple Intelligence offers advanced features like Image Playground for instant image generation and Genmoji for custom avatars and seamless integration with ChatGPT. Unlike other platforms, ChatGPT on Apple Intelligence grants users full control over data-sharing permissions, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to user privacy.

The Power of Personalisation: Apple Intelligence’s Standout Features

The highlight of the event was Apple Intelligence itself, a sophisticated AI system designed to enhance both productivity and creativity with features such as:

Advance Writing Tools: Streamline document and email creation, offering users a more efficient way to communicate.

Image Playground: Create custom visuals in real-time, ideal for creatives looking to produce custom visuals quickly and securely.

Enhanced Siri and ChatGPT Integration: With context-based responses and intuitive guidance, Siri now enhances productivity more naturally. ChatGPT integration, fully managed by the user, places privacy front and centre.

Hands-on with Apple’s Latest Lineup

After the presentation, I had the opportunity to try out Apple’s newest lineup, including the iPad mini, the M4 iPad Pro, iPhone 16 models, and the Apple Watch Series 10. During my conversation with Linda van der Nest, she mentioned switching from the Apple Watch Ultra to the Series 10 due to its sleeker design, which we both agreed was a more practical choice for daily wear.

In another engaging conversation, Chris Dodd, CEO of iStore, shared insights into the journey of integrating Apple Intelligence into everyday life. We discussed how features like Shortcuts, despite their potential, didn’t reach their full adoption because users struggled to find their unique applications. We both agreed that Apple Intelligence might face a similar challenge, but he’s hopeful that the new iStore Meets training sessions will address this by helping users unlock the full potential of their Apple devices.

Chris also shared how the Mac mini's compact form factor could make it an ideal tool for users seeking high power in a portable design. He explained that even as he uses the M1 MacBook Pro, its performance remains impressive—testimony to Apple’s hardware longevity. Chris mentioned plans to upgrade his daughter’s iPad to one capable of supporting Apple Intelligence, showcasing the accessibility and user-friendly focus of the new technology.

As a core part of the launch, iStore announced the iStore Meets sessions, free training events where users can explore Apple Intelligence's features and understand how to incorporate them into their daily routines. Chris Dodd emphasised the sessions' importance, noting iStore’s dedication to helping customers maximise the full potential of Apple Intelligence across all Apple devices. These teaching sessions are held daily at 12pm and 2pm at iStore locations nationwide, each lasting an hour. Interested users can book these sessions through the iStore website, making it easy to sign up and deepen their understanding of Apple Intelligence.

One Last Thing: M4 MacBooks

In addition to Apple Intelligence, iStore announced the availability of the latest MacBook Pro models featuring the M4 chips, alongside the new Mac mini and redesigned iMac. Starting at R34,999, the MacBook Pro promises remarkable performance upgrades, with its advanced 3-nanometer M4 chip and hardware-accelerated ray tracing pushing creative and professional workflows to new heights.

At Modern Opulent Gazette, we're looking forward to getting hands-on with the new M4 MacBook! We’ll be diving deep into its performance and exploring all the ways it can elevate productivity and creativity in real-world use. Stay tuned for our full review—this powerful device just might redefine your work and play!