Code name "Greymatter": How Apple Intelligence was tested internally
Shortly before the launch of Apple's AI functions in US English, details from the development phase are leaking out. How Apple prepared its AI for the launch.
(Image: Apple)
During the development of the first Apple Intelligence functions, Apple apparently used several internal test apps and some amusing code names. Citing unnamed sources within the company, an article now traces the preparations for Apple's entry into artificial intelligence. According to the article, the iPhone manufacturer in Cupertino had been carrying out intensive tests for a good year before the first functions were rolled out in US English with iOS 18.1.
Internally, the codename "Greymatter" was used when Apple Intelligence was discussed, according to the Appleinsider report. The name alludes to the gray matter of the brain and is an obvious analogy, as the substance in the outer layer of the brain is associated with information processing and human thought. Another code name that was leaked is that of the email categorization that is now shipping with the first beta of iOS 18.2. It has been christened "Project BlackPearl".
Test apps: 1UP and Megadome
To test the progress of its own generative language models, Apple primarily used three special test apps for internal use, according to the Apple Insider report. These were called "1UP", alluding to gaining an extra life in Super Mario, "Smart Replies Tester" and "Megadome".
According to the information, "1UP" was used to check text generation and analysis. Apple's own Ajax language model was used here, which enables functions such as rephrasing and proofreading in the Writing Tools in iOS 18.1. Functions for summarizing texts are also based on this language model. For example, "1UP" was used to test whether the AI can really find relevant information. Apple also examined whether it could handle text generation and document analysis entirely using its own model – but ultimately decided to work with ChatGPT for now. The corresponding interface will be activated with iOS 18.2.
Recognizing connections correctly
According to the report, "Megadome" played a role in the development of functions to bring together the user's personal data, the necessary context and the AI functions. At the presentation of Apple Intelligence, Apple emphasized that the software respects data privacy and therefore handles this information cautiously, which is necessary for the AI to recognize personal connections to the user. "Megadome" collected and organized the user information during the development phase and created a "reality graph" for relationships between the data.
The function of the "Smart Replies Tester" is relatively self-explanatory given the name. Apple used it to check the AI-generated responses of the function in the Mail app. These suggestions can be displayed to quickly reply to messages. The app was used to measure the response speed, among other things.
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Currently iOS 18.2 in beta
Apple's first image-generating AI functions have currently been released for testing with iOS 18.2 Beta 1. Personal context and natural language processing, which were checked with the test apps, also play a role here. However, this will become even more important for the improved Siri voice assistant, which is expected next year.
(mki)
