Apple CEO John Ternus says the iPhone is Apple’s main AI device

In short: Apple’s CEO John Ternus said Apple will focus on the iPhone as its main device for using AI, and he argued that running AI on the phone can protect privacy.

What happened

Apple held a “Surprise and Shine” event in Cupertino, California, where new CEO John Ternus outlined the company’s approach to AI.

Ternus said the “best AI device” is still the iPhone. He described an ideal AI device as an “intelligent personal hub,” meaning something that stays with you, understands your situation, and connects to your other devices and apps.

He said this hub should have strong computing power to run AI models on the device, plus an internet connection to use AI in the cloud when needed. He also listed practical features, like a large screen, good cameras and microphones, and long battery life, and he said it should be easy to use.

Ternus also made a clear point about privacy. He said Apple wants users to stay in control of their personal data, and he suggested rivals treat personal data as something to collect and store. He said “Apple Intelligence” runs on the device whenever it can, instead of sending everything to remote servers.

Why it matters

For everyday users, this signals that Apple is not pushing people to buy a separate “AI gadget.” Instead, Apple wants AI features to feel like a normal part of the iPhone, like having a helpful assistant that lives on your phone instead of in a faraway office (the cloud). If more AI work happens on the phone, it can also mean fewer situations where your information has to leave your device.

Source: TechCrunch AI