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Is Apple’s AI Playing Catch-Up While Samsung Steals the Spotlight?

Is Apple’s AI Playing Catch-Up While Samsung Steals the Spotlight?

Apple’s Photos app has three AI features you’ve probably used—but is it enough to compete? While Apple quietly rolls out practical AI tools like object removal and smarter search, Samsung’s Galaxy AI is flexing with more advanced photo editing capabilities. Let’s explore whether Apple’s "AI for the rest of us" can keep up—or if it’s already falling behind. Let’s dive in.

📸 The AI Photo Wars: Why Apple’s Quiet Features Aren’t Enough

  • 🍎 Clean Up vs. Samsung’s Eraser: Apple’s object removal tool works, but Samsung’s version (demoed online) handles complex backgrounds and shadows better—like deleting photobombers without leaving ghostly artifacts.
  • 🎥 Memories on Demand: Apple’s AI-generated slideshows are convenient, but lack customization compared to third-party apps like CapCut.
  • 🔍 Search That (Finally) Works: Natural language queries like “beach photos with dogs” are handy, but Google Photos has done this for years.
  • 🚨 The Embarrassment Factor: If Apple doesn’t level up soon, Samsung’s flashier AI could dominate the narrative.

✅ Apple’s AI Playbook: Subtle Enhancements Over Flashy Gimmicks

  • 🧩 Seamless Integration: No separate apps or subscriptions—Clean Up and Memories are baked into Photos.
  • 🤫 The "Invisible AI" Advantage: Features feel intuitive, not like beta experiments.
  • 🔒 Ecosystem Lock-In: These tools work best when you’re all-in on iCloud and Apple devices.
black and white city building during daytime
Photo by Babak Habibi / Unsplash

🚧 The Roadblocks: Why Apple Risks Losing Ground

  • ⚠️ Samsung’s Head Start: Galaxy AI’s object removal isn’t just better—it’s marketed better, with viral social media demos.
  • ⏳ Consumer Perception: If Apple Intelligence becomes synonymous with "basic," even loyalists might eye Android.
  • 💸 The Innovation Tax: Apple’s privacy-first approach limits cloud-based AI training, potentially capping future capabilities.

🚀 Final Thoughts: Can Apple Turn AI Utility Into a Win?

As an iPhone user, I appreciate Apple’s focus on practical AI—but practical isn’t the same as groundbreaking. To avoid embarrassment:

  • 📈 Speed Matters: Apple needs to match Samsung’s editing prowess by iOS 19.
  • 🎯 Double Down on Privacy: Market on-device AI as a premium alternative to cloud-dependent rivals.
  • 💡 Steal the Spotlight: Showcase these features in ads—not just keynote footnotes.

What’s your take? Is Apple’s understated AI approach genius—or a recipe for second place?

Let us know on X (Former Twitter)

Sources: Ryan Christoffel. Apple’s Photos app has three great AI features flying under the radar, Mar 28 2025. https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/28/apples-photos-app-has-three-great-ai-features-flying-under-the-radar/

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