Apple has been relatively absent from the AI hype cycle, but analysts anticipate a move into AI with iOS 18 at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference. CEO Tim Cook’s strategy of letting competitors go first has positioned Apple to make a significant impact with its slow and steady AI efforts, backed by the acquisition of 21 AI startups since 2017. The company’s focus on on-device AI technology, deals with news publishers, breakthrough research on running LLMs on-device, and potential integration of AI into Siri indicate a major AI announcement that could give Apple a significant edge over its competitors.