Apple is expanding access to a new software update that will integrate artificial intelligence into its virtual assistant Siri and automate various tasks on the upcoming iPhone 16, which is set to launch on Friday.

The update, which became available to users testing Apple’s software on Thursday, is expected to roll out to all iPhone owners next month. Currently, only two premium iPhones released last year have the advanced processor needed to support the update’s AI-powered features, but that will change with the launch of four new iPhone 16 models.

Which models will receive the update?

All iPhone 16 models, which range in price from $800 to $1,200, are designed to feature the new AI technology branded “Apple Intelligence.” With this brand, Apple wants to differentiate itself from competitors such as Samsung and Google, which introduced similar AI features in their smartphones earlier this year.

Apple is touting these AI capabilities as a key selling point for the iPhone 16, and the early release of the test version could potentially encourage consumers to purchase the new models.

Initially, the AI ​​technology will only be available in US English, but by December it will also be expanded to localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK. Additional language support and expansion to more countries is expected in 2024. The testing of the AI ​​software follows the release of iOS 18, Apple’s latest mobile operating system.

With the upgrade to iOS 18.1, Siri is set to become more conversational and visually dynamic, showing a rotating glowing light on the screen when responding to requests. While Apple promises improvements to Siri’s ability to perform tasks and reduce confusion, full integration with other apps will only be possible with a future update, for which there is no firm release date yet.

The AI ​​features will also help with writing and proofreading, summarize emails and documents, and provide photo editing tools. However, some features, such as the ability to create custom emojis or generate imaginative images, are not yet included in the first update. Apple also plans to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT for additional functionality.

Apple’s AI features will be compatible with last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max thanks to their advanced chips. The update will also introduce spatial video recording on those models, which can be viewed with Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro headset.

However, the AI ​​features will not be available on many older iPhones still in use, a limitation that investors expect could boost demand for the new models. That optimism has helped Apple’s stock price rise more than 15% since unveiling its AI strategy in June, adding $500 billion to its market value. Analysts predict that this surge in demand could push Apple’s market value above $4 trillion next year.