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At this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (Apple WWDC 2025), Apple revealed sweeping updates across its software platforms. While the headlines focused on new visuals and AI features, the announcements carry real implications for UK SMEs—particularly those in tech, services, creative industries, and regulated sectors. We’ve focused a lot recently on the new features offered by Microsoft’s Copilot, Google Gemini and ChatGPT, so in the spirit of balance let’s look at where Apple says it’s heading next with its AI offerings.
Privacy-Friendly AI with Business Potential
Apple’s expanded Apple Intelligence platform introduces on-device AI tools that don’t rely on the cloud. This means businesses can build smarter features—like summarisation, natural language input, or automation—without sacrificing customer data privacy.
Even better, developers can integrate Apple’s large language models into apps using just a few lines of Swift code, making AI more accessible to SMEs that build for Apple platforms.
Design That Adapts to Users
The new “Liquid Glass” interface across iOS, macOS, and more isn’t just aesthetic—it’s designed to respond to context, lighting and user activity. Apple is also rolling out Visual Intelligence, allowing apps to recognise screen content and offer smart, relevant actions.
For UK SMEs building customer-facing tools, user experience design is now strategic. Customers will expect more intuitive, responsive apps—especially on Apple devices.
Sector-Specific Tools Get Smarter
Apple Watch’s new AI-powered Workout Buddy could be a game-changer for health, wellbeing or fitness apps. And with Apple Vision Pro’s improved stylus and controller support, designers, engineers, and 3D specialists have new opportunities to innovate in immersive experiences.
Siri Stalls While Others Accelerate
Apple admitted its next-gen Siri is still not ready, falling behind rivals in voice-based AI. For SMEs considering hands-free tools or AI chat experiences, this may be a limitation—at least for now.
What It Means for UK Businesses
Apple’s focus on on-device intelligence, privacy, and seamless UX will be attractive to UK SMEs handling sensitive data or seeking competitive edge through digital tools.
However, many features are still in beta or hardware-limited, so adoption may take time.
Final Thought
For UK SMEs, this could be a pivotal moment to review app strategies, prioritise privacy-friendly AI, and start experimenting with on-device intelligence. Apple’s platform is evolving—and early adopters may be the first to benefit, but of course early adoption is not without risk! As always, caution is key!
For most UK SMEs last month’s announcements at Apple WWDC 2025 won’t shake the foundations of their IT strategy, but keeping an eye on what all the big tech companies are doing is certainly vital to making informed decisions about future strategy and avoiding closing doors on potential opportunities.
It’s also worth noting that there’s grant funding available for West Yorkshire-based growth businesses seeking to innovate. For more information take a look at Invest in Bradford.
Looking for guidance with your SME’s IT Strategy ? Give us a call on 01535 358161 or drop us an email via our contact page.
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