Apple May Outdo Android With Exclusive AI App Store in June –

Apple’s camp has been pretty tight-lipped about smartphone AI so far, but that’s all set to change with the arrival of iOS 18 and WWDC 2024 — Apple’s annual developer conference. Not only is Apple expected to announce new AI features with the new version of iOS, but it is also said to be in talks with various companies, including Google, to incorporate their AI models into the iPhone.

Now, a new research note suggests that Apple may also be planning to unveil a brand new AI app store in June, the same month it traditionally holds its WWDC event. Speaking with CNBCBen Reitzes, head of technology research at Melius Research, said Apple isn’t really lagging behind in the AI ​​race.

“I think you have to go back in time and realize that this company has a history of convincing a lot of leaders to build apps or do something with them while they’re refining the ecosystem that it’s used for,” he said, citing the example of Steve Jobs “running around talking to a bunch of music companies saying, hey, look, we got this vision for a dollar a song, and lo and behold, iTunes saved the music industry.”

Reitzes went on to say that Apple could start laying the groundwork for this new type of app store in June “for how it will work with artificial intelligence” and “how you can buy AI apps through the app store.”

“I’m sure Apple will have its own apps. As usual, AI assistant. Hopefully they will upgrade Siri, which is probably needed. And then we’ll start to see how that might trickle down to the service line,” commented Reitzes.

While we have seen an increasing number of Android players like Google, Samsung and others starting to offer new AI features on their smartphones, a dedicated app store for AI apps would be an industry first. This year’s WWDC dates haven’t been announced yet, but we can’t wait to see what Apple has in store and how Android phone makers will react to Cupertino’s announcements.