Recently, Apple updated its official website with a statement detailing how it collects and uses images from its "Look Around" feature, a service similar to Google Street View. According to the announcement, starting March 2025, Apple will begin using images and data gathered from "Look Around" surveys to train artificial intelligence models used in its products and services. These models include technologies related to image recognition, creation, and enhancement.
Apple collects images and 3D data using vehicles and backpacks equipped with cameras, sensors, and other devices (backpacks for pedestrian areas) to improve and enhance Apple Maps. In line with its commitment to user privacy, all images published in "Look Around" have had faces and license plates blurred. Furthermore, Apple states it will only use these blurred images when training its models.
Apple accepts requests to blur images of homes for users who wish to have their property obscured, although this is not done by default. The company says it remains committed to protecting user privacy and ensuring transparency in all data collection and usage.
Several Apple features are already powered by AI image generation models. These include "Image Playground," the "Cleanup" tool in the Apple Photos app (which removes unwanted parts of images), and advanced image recognition technology that improves the Photos app's search capabilities. Following this update, The Verge has reached out to Apple for confirmation on the specific models that will be trained using these images and will update its article accordingly.
Key Points:
🌍 Apple will use "Look Around" images to train AI models starting March 2025.
📷 Apple is committed to protecting user privacy during image collection, blurring faces and license plates.
🖼️ Several Apple features are already powered by AI image generation models, including the Photos app's Cleanup tool.
