Apple has released an update on its notification summary feature which will now clearly indicate when text summaries are generated by its internal software, Apple Intelligence.
This follows several complaints, including a recent incident involving the BBC, where the summarisation feature distorted the content of headlines.
In a statement released on Monday, Apple confirmed that a software update, expected in the coming weeks, will make it more transparent to users when a summary has been created using Apple Intelligence. The company also encouraged users to report any issues with inaccurate summaries.
The BBC had complained after a headline about a murder case involving Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was incorrectly summarised.
The notification noted that Mangione had shot himself, a claim that was not part of the original report. Other inaccuracies stated by the BBC included summaries falsely announcing a darts champion before the tournament concluded and wrongly attributing a statement about sexual orientation to tennis star Rafael Nadal.
Apple Intelligence, introduced as part of its notification system, aims to help users by condensing information for quick viewing. However, the tool has had issues of occasionally generating misleading summaries. In one instance, a text message reading, “That hike almost killed me,” was summarised as “attempted suicide.”
Users have the option to disable the summarisation feature or adjust its application to specific apps through their device settings. Apple stated that the feature remains optional and part of its goal is to improve user experience with feedback-driven updates.
This development comes as tech companies face challenges in managing AI-generated content. Meta and Google, for example, have also revised their labelling of AI-generated outputs after complaints from users and professionals.
With Apple enhancing its software, the company aims to provide reliable and user-friendly technology. The forthcoming update is expected to address issues and improve reliance on the notification system.
