In the beta version of macOS Sequoia, testers uncovered JSON text files containing instructions for Apple Intelligence, the company’s artificial intelligence system. These files, located in the system folder, include various conditions to ensure the AI’s accuracy and usefulness.
Preventing AI “Hallucinations“
Among the 29 files discovered, many system prompts resemble explanations to a child about proper behavior. Of particular interest are instructions aimed at preventing AI “hallucinations” – false or inaccurate statements. Phrases like “Don’t hallucinate” and “Don’t make things up” were found among these prompts. This approach is not surprising given other companies’ experiences with generative AI, such as Microsoft’s challenges with its ChatGPT-powered Bing Chatbot in 2023.
Future of Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence features are expected to be available for public beta testing this fall. However, they won’t be included in the initial releases of iOS 18.0, iPadOS 18.0, and macOS 15.0. Some capabilities, like phone call and voicemail transcription and text summarization, will be available early, while others, including a new version of Siri, may not arrive until next year, notes NIX Solutions. We’ll keep you updated on the development and release of these features.
The discovery of these files provides a unique opportunity to study Apple’s approach to controlling AI responses. If these files remain accessible in future macOS versions, it will allow tracking of changes in Apple’s AI strategy over time.