Apple’s developers did more than make superficial improvements to the iPhone X. A special “neural engine” inside the iPhone X gives it artificial intelligence (AI), and augmented reality(AR) capabilities. This engine could be a sign of the future for smartphones that rely on machine learning algorithms. What does iOS 11 mean to UX designers? Let’s explore.

Get to know the iPhone A11 Processor

The iPhone X has many exciting new features. These include face-scanning ID recognition and the removal of the home button. However, the most significant change is found inside the phone in the A11 Bionic processor. Apple’s 64-bit, six-core A11 processor was created to power the iPhone X. It is a 64-bit processor with six cores. Apple called it the “most powerful smartphone ever made”. The A11 Bionic is a groundbreaking smartphone processor. Here’s how it works:

• 4.3 billion transistors

• Two performance cores 25 percent faster than A10

• Four cores with high efficiency that are 70% faster than A10

• Performance controller of the second generation

• Multi Threaded workloads handled 70 percent faster by the current controller

• Apple’s first GPU designed by Apple (30% faster than A10)

• GPU delivers the same performance, but with half as much power consumption

• Optimized processor to support 3D gaming and machine-learning

• Faster low-light autofocus

• Hardware multiband image noise removal

• Apple video encoder designed with real-time image analysis

• Secure Enclave protects Face ID data

The neural engine is a part of the A11 Bionic processing systems. It’s a dual-core engine capable of handling 600 billion operations per second. Apple is not able to receive any data from the neural engine. Apple created the neural engine to speed up AI software. It uses artificial neural networks that can efficiently process speech and images. The future of smartphones could be changed by the new capabilities that the neural engine offers iPhone.

The Exciting New Neural Engine

The future of smartphone technology is revealed by Apple’s neural engine. The engine has two processing cores that can handle machine-learning algorithms. These algorithms allow the iPhone X to recognize facial features and create animojis. They also enable it to handle augmented reality apps with finesse. These 600 billion operations per second allowing it to master complex AI tasks with no lag.

The engine’s impressive AI and AR capabilities are the mainstay of its new engine. Apple’s new approach to artificial intelligence will revolutionize how people experience AI on their mobile devices. The cloud has been the way that apps and processors have dealt with AI features for a long time. Although the cloud saves battery power, it is less convenient and less secure. Apple was able to crack the code to bring mobile users all the benefits and advantages of AI without any cloud-related drawbacks. Apple dedicated the A11 processor to AI capabilities.

Apple introduced AI to mobile phones in June 2016 with differential privacy, which is Apple’s method of marking users’ identities using statistical methods. However, the neural engine gives new life to AI-capable hardware in a phone. Apple no longer collects and analyzes user data. Instead, Apple keeps the AI hardware directly on the phone, eliminating the need to use the cloud. The neural engine is not just Apple’s brainchild, it’s also the future of the industry. Similar approaches are being used by other phone companies, such as Qualcomm, Google, and Huawei.

What does the neural engine mean for UX design in the future?

UX design was forever changed when the iPhone X came on the market. Because of its unique features, such as the larger screen, richer colors, and no home button, it raised the question of whether mobile website design needed to be changed. The iPhone X’s aesthetics are great, but it is the neural engine that could have the biggest impact on UX design. UX designers must expand their horizons now that Apple has given artificial intelligence and augmented reality to the masses.

iOS 11’s new AI and AR features mean that designers and developers no longer need to integrate AR capabilities into their apps. This is costly and makes it difficult for users to control their experience. Instead, developers can rely on the AR components in the phone’s neural engines to manage applications. This eliminates the need to create and integrate AR solutions into their apps. Developers have now access to an AR-ready consumer base, which is easier than ever.

AR-specific applications will remain a hot trend within UX. The iPhone X is the start of a revolution in efficiency and dependence on AR apps for mobile. UX design must adapt to keep up with current trends. Future AR apps will only be limited by the imagination of designers and developers. The way AR is viewed by developers will change if it becomes mainstream in a consistent and reliable manner.

Live in the New AR Environment, as a UX Designer

Apple has shown time and again that change is possible. Although the iPhone X’s new neural engine has transformed AI and AR for mobile, this does not mean that developers will have new tools to create exceptional user experiences. It is important to understand the implications of the new engine for UX and UI and to learn how developers can take advantage of its capabilities. Here are some tips for UX designers to make the most of A11’s features:

1. You must establish trust with the user. Some security issues were raised by the iPhone X’s facial recognition technology. In designing new apps, it is more important than ever that users trust you. Apps and websites should give users the impression that they are secure.
2. Avoid rushing to roll out AR apps. Developers might feel pressured to create new apps that use the iPhone X’s AR and AI capabilities. However, it is important to resist the temptation of publishing quickly. Developers need to spend time testing and optimizing designs before publishing them.
3. Re-test, test, and retest again. Although it’s impossible to predict how users will react to AR apps, developers can maximize their chances of positive returns by taking time to test performance and make adjustments. Re-testing the app until you feel comfortable with its design is a good idea. AR projects should be tested and retested.
4. Collaborate with the marketing team. UX designers and marketing teams must work together to increase the potential value of an AR product or app. Before the AR app launches, marketing will have to create online content. It is essential that everyone involved in new developments work together.
5. Be original without being too radical. Developers need to be creative in order to create the next big thing. However, developers should also take user preferences into account. As an example, take Google Glass’s major failure. Google demanded that users make a fundamental shift in the way they use technology. The product was not popular with users, so it was removed.

According to predictions, virtual and augmented reality will bring in $162 billion annually by 2020. UX professionals must learn about the iPhone X’s neural engine, understand that it is rapidly becoming global, and use new AR/AI technology. UX designers are now challenged to think of new AR applications that people will love, enjoy, and engage with. With the right tools and knowledge, UX designers can make this a rewarding challenge.