Apple embraces AI, but the Netherlands lags behind
Apple is changing course. AI in Siri, smart features for Mac, iPhone, and iPad—the tech giant promises a revolution. At WWDC 2024, there were big words about privacy, intelligence, and the future of your devices. But here's the catch: while Apple embraces ChatGPT and rolls out AI features, the Netherlands is currently sitting on the sidelines. Vision Pro? Not here. Apple Intelligence? Probably delayed.
The irony is striking. Just as our AirPods are getting smarter with head gestures and our accessories are seamlessly integrating with AI-powered devices, Dutch users are forced to watch the rest of the world sprint ahead. The question isn't whether this technology will arrive here, but how far behind we'll fall. And more importantly: what does this mean for your current Apple devices?
Useful links
- Refurbished iPhone collection - models compatible with iOS 18
- AirPods collection - compatible with new head gestures
- Accessories - supporting products for AI functions
The most important announcements at a glance
At its 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple announced a series of updates that will fundamentally change the way we interact with our devices. The focus is primarily on artificial intelligence, with privacy remaining paramount. However, there's an important caveat for Dutch users: many of these features will likely be available with a delay.
The eleven major announcements include updates for virtually every Apple device in your household. From the Mac to the Apple Watch, every product gains new capabilities leveraging machine learning and AI technology. Most notable: the integration of ChatGPT into Siri, finally bringing the voice assistant to context-aware conversations.
Apple Intelligence: The new brain behind your devices
Apple's new AI platform revolves around three core principles: privacy, usability, and integration. Unlike many competitors, this system processes most tasks locally on your device. Only when more processing power is needed does it switch to secure cloud servers. This approach means your personal data isn't sent to external servers by default.
For Mac, iPhone, and iPad, this means your device learns your daily routines. The system can prioritize notifications, suggest responses, and even automate entire tasks across apps. For example, when you receive an email about a meeting, the system can automatically check your calendar and suggest a response.
The downside for Dutch users: these features require specific language models, which will be rolled out in English first. This means we'll likely have to wait until 2025 before the full functionality is available here.
Siri finally grows up
The integration with ChatGPT transforms Siri from a simple voice assistant into a conversational partner. You can ask complex questions without worrying about precise phrasing. The system understands context and can ask further questions if information is missing.
Important note: This feature works without a ChatGPT account and is free. Apple emphasizes that OpenAI does not access your personal data. When Siri activates ChatGPT for a request, it is done anonymously. Your IP address is masked, and requests are not linked to your identity.
The practical applications are numerous. From writing complex emails to planning a multi-destination vacation, the new Siri can handle tasks that previously required multiple apps and a lot of manual work.
iOS 18 and iPadOS 18: More than just AI
Besides the AI features, the new operating systems bring practical improvements. For example, iOS 18 finally introduces the ability to freely place app icons on the home screen. This may sound trivial, but for many users, it's a long-awaited feature.
A native calculator app is finally arriving for the iPad. It supports not only basic functions but also scientific calculations and can recognize handwritten formulas. It's taking some time, but the implementation is well-thought-out: the app takes full advantage of the large screen and the Apple Pencil.
The new note-taking app gets smarter with automatic transcription of audio recordings and the ability to search handwritten notes. This is a welcome addition for students and professionals who take a lot of notes during meetings.
macOS Sequoia: The Mac as a hub
The new macOS brings iPhone mirroring to your Mac screen. This means you can fully control your iPhone from your Mac, including using apps not available on macOS. The phone can even be left locked in your bag.
Window management is also getting an update with improved snapping features, similar to what Windows has offered for years. Windows can now automatically snap to half or a quarter of the screen, making multitasking more efficient.
AirPods and Apple Watch: subtle but useful updates
The AirPods gain the ability to control Siri with head gestures. Nod yes or shake no when Siri asks a question—handy when your hands are full or you're in a quiet environment.
watchOS 11 introduces the Vitals app, which collects all your health data in one place. The system learns your normal values and alerts you if there are any deviations. For athletes, it offers more comprehensive training analysis with more insight into recovery and performance.
Genmoji: Personal emojis with AI
A notable addition is Genmoji, which lets you create custom emojis with text descriptions. Type "cat playing the piano" and the AI will generate a unique emoji. These can be used in messages and synced across your devices.
While this may sound frivolous, it demonstrates the power of on-device AI. The models that generate these images run locally, meaning your creativity isn't limited by internet speed or privacy concerns.
Vision Pro: expanding into new markets
The Vision Pro is coming to more countries, but the Netherlands isn't on the list. The device will be available starting this summer in China, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. VisionOS 2 brings improved gestures and an ultra-wide virtual screen for Mac users.
For Dutch early adopters considering importing the device: be aware of limited local support and potential warranty issues. The Dutch launch is likely at least a year away.
Practical considerations for Dutch users
The reality is that many of these features won't be available until the fall, and primarily in English. Dutch language support traditionally follows months later. This means you'll likely need to set your device to English for the full experience.
For those considering a new Apple device: all models from the iPhone 15 Pro onwards fully support the new AI features. Older models will get iOS 18 but may lack some AI capabilities due to hardware limitations. For iPads, this is especially true for models with the M1 chip or later.
The new Passwords app deserves special mention. It replaces iCloud Keychain with a fully-fledged password manager that also works on Windows. For people who use multiple platforms, this is a welcome development that makes switching between devices easier.
Conclusion for the Dutch market
Apple is clearly investing in AI, but it's doing so in a typically Apple way: thoughtfully, with a focus on privacy and ease of use. The downside is that this cautious approach means new features are being rolled out slowly, especially in smaller language areas like the Netherlands.
Developer betas begin next week, with public betas in July. Final releases will follow in the fall. Dutch users are advised to temper their expectations: many of the announced features won't be fully available here until 2025.
Waiting for AI functions in the Netherlands
Apple is finally making the AI leap users have been waiting for, but for the Netherlands, it's a matter of waiting and seeing for now. The irony is clear: just as refurbished iPhones are becoming more attractive due to their future AI capabilities, we have to wait until these features are fully available here.
For those who can't wait, there's only one option left: set your device to English and accept that you're ahead of the Dutch rollout. The question isn't if , but when we'll catch up – and whether Apple will already be three steps ahead by then.