Economy
Apple AI expected to star as new iPhones are unveiled
Apple is expected to release its latest line of iPhones on Monday that will feature generative AI capabilities as the tech behemoth looks to bolster sales of its iconic device.
The company founded by Steve Jobs has disclosed little about what it plans to show off during a launch event, titled “Glowtime,” at its headquarters in the Silicon Valley city of Cupertino.
It is the time of year, though, when Apple typically updates its iPhone lineup.
Apple has a lot riding on what would be the iPhone 16 and will hope that customers will be enticed to buy the latest models, attracted by new AI powers.
With $39 billion in sales last quarter, the iPhone counts for roughly 60 percent of Apple’s revenue, and remains the main entryway to the company’s services, such as the App Store or Apple TV, which are becoming a growing part of its business.
Apple is only just coming out of a long sales slump as users increasingly stick with older models longer.
“The iPhone 16 will be one of the most significant iPhone introductions, not because of what’s on the outside but because of what’s inside — namely, Apple Intelligence,” said Forrester principal analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee.
“Apple Intelligence” is a new suite of software features for all devices that was announced in June at the company’s annual developers conference, where it also announced a partnership with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI.
In the short-term, these include AI-infused image editing, translation, and small, creative touches in messaging, but not more ambitious breakthroughs promised by other AI players, such as OpenAI or Google.
– ‘Super-powered Siri’ –
Apple also said its digital assistant Siri will get an AI upgrade and now will appear as a pulsating light on the edge of a home screen.
“Siri will be a big part of the conversation,” Creative Strategies analyst Carolina Milanesi said of Monday’s event.
Launched more than 12 years ago, Siri has come to be seen as a dated feature, overtaken by a new generation of assistants such as GPT-4o, OpenAI’s latest offering.
Apple watchers predict Apple will introduce iPhone 16 models with custom chips that can power these AI features, including the Siri upgrade.
By adding AI capabilities, Apple is looking to “shake that expectation” that iPhone launches are “just steady improvements in hardware and software,” said Techsponential analyst Avi Greengart.
Longer term, Apple could dramatically change the iPhone experience with a “super-powered Siri” working across all the apps, Greengart said.
– Pixel power –
Apple’s announcement closely follows Google, which last month unveiled AI-infused Pixel 9 smartphones, its challenge to the iPhone.
Pixels account for a tiny sliver of the global smartphone market dominated by Samsung and Apple, but Google argued its new line is a chance to answer what — after all the hype — AI can actually do for customers.
“There have been so many promises, so many ‘coming soons,’ and not enough real world helpfulness when it comes to AI – which is why today we’re getting real,” Google senior vice president of devices Rick Osterloh said at the company’s campus in Mountain View, California.
Samsung has also showcased AI across a range of its consumer electronic products as it looks to extend its leadership in global smartphone sales.
In a significant development today, September 17, the World Bank announced its intention to mobilize approximately $2 billion in new financing for Bangladesh within the current fiscal year. This substantial financial support aims to bolster critical reforms, enhance flood response, improve air quality, and strengthen the health sector.
During a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, the World Bank’s Country Director, Abdoulaye Seck, affirmed the institution’s commitment to increasing its lending to Bangladesh. Seck emphasized the bank’s dedication to expediting support for the Interim Government’s reform agenda. “We are committed to assisting as swiftly and extensively as possible,” Seck stated, underscoring the bank’s focus on addressing the country’s pressing financial needs.
In addition to the new commitments, Seck revealed that the World Bank plans to reallocate approximately $1 billion from existing programs, following consultations with the Bangladeshi government. This move is in response to appeals from Chief Adviser Yunus to international development partners for enhanced support. The repurposing of these funds, combined with the new financing, is expected to elevate the total financial assistance to Bangladesh this fiscal year to around $3 billion.
Seck highlighted that the successful implementation of the proposed reforms is crucial for Bangladesh’s future, particularly for the nation’s youth, with approximately two million individuals entering the job market annually. Chief Adviser Yunus expressed the need for the World Bank’s flexibility in funding reforms and assisting in a new era of governance after 15 years of what he described as “extreme misgovernance.”
Yunus emphasized the necessity for a significant push to rebuild and create new structures from the current challenges. “We need your support to help us build anew and focus on the aspirations of our students,” he urged, calling on the World Bank to be a collaborative partner in this transformative journey.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has named Hoe Yun Jeong as its new Country Director for Bangladesh. Jeong will oversee ADB’s operations and lead policy discussions with the interim government, development partners, and stakeholders. He will also begin preparations for ADB’s upcoming Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Bangladesh, as the current strategy ends in 2025.
“I am eager to collaborate with the interim government and the people of Bangladesh to restore economic stability and implement necessary reforms for sustained growth,” Jeong stated, emphasizing the need for inclusive and climate-resilient development.
With 25 years of experience, including 15 years at ADB, Jeong has held senior roles in South Korea’s Ministry of Strategy and Finance and served in ADB’s India Resident Mission, where he played a key role in coordinating support for India’s G20 Presidency.
Bangladesh, a member of ADB since 1973, has received $61 billion in loans and grants from the bank. ADB’s current portfolio in Bangladesh includes 53 projects worth around $13 billion, with priorities spanning energy, infrastructure, education, and agriculture.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers with temporary gusty winds in all eight divisions over the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
According to the BMD, light to moderate rain or thundershowers, accompanied by gusty winds, are expected at a few places in Chattogram and Sylhet divisions, and at one or two places in Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, and Barishal divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy rainfall.
Additionally, both day and night temperatures may rise by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius across the country. On Monday, Sylhet recorded the highest temperature of 35.8 degrees Celsius, while today’s lowest temperature was 24.0 degrees Celsius in Rangamati, Chattogram Division.
In the past 24 hours, rainfall was recorded at 86 mm in Kumarkhali, Khulna Division. The sun is set to go down at 6:00 pm today in the capital, with sunrise expected at 5:46 am tomorrow.
