Apple Artificial Intelligence: Exploring 3 Practical AI Tools for Enhancing Your Apple Devices (One Year In)
2026's WWDC is almost upon us, and this means we're a year removed from the Apple AI reveal that stole the show at the last year's Worldwide Developers Conference.
It's been a bumpy ride for Apple AI, with broken promises, features still on the horizon, and marketing that hasn't quite lived up to the hype.
Despite the rocky start, let's focus on the positives. After all, it's Apple's AI's first birthday.
After a year of testing Apple AI and its various features on my Apple devices, I've picked three highlights that genuinely shine and deserve our attention.
1. Genmoji (iPhone and iPad)
When Genmoji first dropped, I claimed that Apple might just have struck gold with this AI-driven emoji system, a game-changer for the average consumer.
Fast forward to now, and most of us have probably forgotten that the ability to generate AI emojis lives on our devices.
While Genmoji didn't explode like I had envisioned, it has become an essential tool on my iPhone, and I find myself creating a new one every week. Even repeating old Genmojis because they never fail to amuse. If you've yet to give Genmoji a whirl or need a refresher, check out our Genmoji 101 guide for all the deets.
2. Writing Tools (iPhone, iPad, Mac)
Writing Tools is a tough one to recommend, as a scribe, I primarily use it for proofreading. Still, I believe Writing Tools ranks among the best AI-powered content tools on the market, going toe-to-toe with heavyweights like Grammarly.
Across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, you can select text and quickly proofread, rewrite, or get advice on how to improve your copy. It's an invaluable partner for writing emails, taking notes, and even sending messages.
While I seldom use Writing Tools, I've tested most AI writing aids and found that Apple's takes the cake. If you pen a lot of copy for work, having Writing Tools to keep you on point and fix grammatical errors can be a lifesaver.
3. Visual Intelligence (iPhone 16, 16 Pro)
Last but not least, Visual Intelligence, Apple's take on the Google Lens formula, rounds out our list of standout Apple AI features.
My colleague, Axel Metz, recently spent a week using Visual Intelligence exclusively and concluded that it works, and it shouldn't be written off as a gimmick by those who've only dabbled in other Apple AI features.
I concur with Axel, Visual Intelligence is effective, but you've got to make a conscious effort to incorporate it into your daily routine. I can't say I've used it in the last couple of months, as it's not something you need every day and occasionally forget it exists.
Used correctly, Visual Intelligence is a genuinely useful tool, particularly when it comes to identifying items and products with the camera or onscreen content.
A year gone by... What next?
With a year under its belt, Apple AI's second lap around the sun is crucial for Apple's AI success.
Apple AI doesn't require flashy features; it needs to nail the essentials and make "AI for the common folk" as important as Apple claims it to be.
Year two of Apple AI will hopefully be the year we see an AI-powered Siri, and if it's as good as Apple wants us to believe, then this time next year, we'll have way more than three AI features to celebrate.
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Computing and technology have played a significant role in the advancement of Apple's artificial-intelligence (AI) within the past year, with three notable standouts being Genmoji, Writing Tools, and Visual Intelligence. Genmoji, an AI-driven emoji system on iPhone and iPad, has been a useful tool for creating personalized emojis, while Writing Tools, available across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, is an effective AI-powered content tool for proofreading, rewriting, and improving copy. Visual Intelligence, akin to Google Lens, is a helpful tool for identifying items and products using the camera or onscreen content. As we approach the 2027 WWDC, it's essential for Apple AI to nail the essentials and make AI accessible for the average consumer, potentially leading to more advancements such as an AI-powered Siri.
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