The latest updates from Apple in iOS 18.4, iPad OS 18.4 and macOS 15.4 introduce innovations that combine artificial intelligence (AI) features with a particular focus on data protection. These updates are particularly relevant for users in the European Union, where strict data protection laws apply. ‘Apple Intelligence’ combines AI on the device and cloud processing, providing modern AI capabilities while minimising the transmission and processing of personal data.
Understanding Apple’s ‘hybrid AI’
Apple Intelligence’s hybrid AI model automatically selects how tasks are performed:
- AI on the device: The device – e.g. the iPhone – performs many AI tasks directly, quickly and privately.
- Private Cloud Compute: More complex tasks can be shifted to Apple’s secure servers, always with privacy in mind.
This approach manages everyday tasks – such as recognising faces in photos or suggesting text corrections – without the need to transfer sensitive data externally. Only when tasks require additional computing power does the device communicate securely with Apple’s servers, with personal information always protected.
AI and the relevance of data protection
Taking data protection into account when working with AI models and functions is not only sensible, but crucial in our increasingly digital lives. With devices storing extensive personal data such as photos, messages, health data and location histories, ensuring security and privacy is essential.
Performing AI tasks directly on your device significantly improves data protection by
- Sensitive information remains local and is less exposed to external threats
- Data transfer is minimised, reducing the risk of interception or misuse
- More control over your own data
Benefits of on-device AI
Running AI tasks locally also offers other advantages:
- Speed: local processing is usually faster because the data is not transferred over the internet and the models are smaller
- Accessibility: the features are available even without an internet connection, so devices can become ‘smarter’ even when offline
- Battery efficiency: local processing often uses less energy than frequent internet use.
- Improved security: less data exchange means less of a target for attacks
Disadvantages of on-device AI
Despite the advantages, on-device AI has its limitations:
- Functionality: local AI models tend to have fewer capabilities than larger, memory-hungry, and therefore cloud-based models
- Hardware requirements: only the latest iPhones and more powerful iPads or Macs currently support advanced local AI features
Limitations of local AI
Prioritising privacy naturally limits the capabilities of on-device AI. Demanding tasks — such as understanding nuanced language, generating highly realistic images, or providing context-rich responses — often require more computational resources than local devices can efficiently handle.
To address these limitations, Apple is integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT as an optional solution for advanced AI features. ChatGPT offers powerful language processing and a more comprehensive understanding of context. Importantly, the free ChatGPT deployment allows OpenAI to store and further process user input and interactions. Users should be aware that using the free integration may indirectly contribute to the development of AI models. In addition, Apple also supports the integration of paid ChatGPT subscriptions, which in turn offers users a little more control over whether their data is used for OpenAI training purposes.
Apple places a high value on transparency regarding privacy trade-offs with ‘Apple Intelligence’ and allows users to make informed decisions based on their preferences and needs.
Even when cloud processing is necessary, Apple ensures strong privacy protections:
- Personal data is not stored persistently or shared externally
- Apple servers securely manage data using strict privacy protocols that can be audited by independent experts.
- Requests passed to ChatGPT must be confirmed separately.
Balancing privacy and AI capabilities
Privacy is of critical importance, especially as AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives. With the hybrid AI model of iOS 18.4, Apple is showing that you don’t have to sacrifice privacy to use AI features. By processing tasks predominantly locally and using its own cloud resource – while transparently offering advanced options like ChatGPT – Apple seeks to strike an effective balance between privacy and functionality.
