Apple TV+ Releases Show on Deadly AI Following Apple Intelligence Launch

One of the latest series released by Apple TV+ called “Sunny,” starring Rashida Jones, provides a humorous yet unsettling take on a near future where people deal with the darker side of AI, just as Apple introduces its new AI technology.

The show highlights the potentially deadly consequences of AI, explores the dark side, and sheds light on modern concerns about technology while blending themes of grief, loneliness, and human connection into its storyline. “Sunny” offers a compelling narrative on the dangers and ethical challenges posed by advanced AI technology.

The show’s primary focus is on the intriguing concept of how objects can mimic human characteristics.

The intelligent objects in “Sunny” behave like people, sometimes engaging in violence, which defies expectations of their harmless nature. Early on in the series, a murder committed by a robot prompts the unsettling assurance that “It’ll be fine. No one will know,” which raises a key question about when society will realize the dangers of AI. This provocative theme captivates viewers, as does Apple’s decision to launch the show shortly after rebranding AI as “Apple Intelligence.”

The series, which premiered on Wednesday, embraces a darkly humorous tone reminiscent of Apple TV+’s 2022 sensation “Severance,” which seemed to emerge from the depths of the “Black Mirror” cinematic universe. However, while “Severance” explored mind-bending technology, the futuristic tech in “Sunny” appears to be more grounded and accessible.

During June’s Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple unveiled its most significant venture into AI yet with Apple Intelligence. The technology was showcased with its conversational responsiveness, aiming to confront the skepticism that Suzie Sakamoto faced, particularly concerning privacy concerns.

At the conference, Apple’s SVP of software engineering, Craig Federighi, said during his keynote speech, “You shouldn’t have to hand over all the details of your life to be warehoused and analyzed in someone’s AI cloud.”

He reassured the audience while elaborating on the intricacies of Apple Intelligence. Specifically, he explained that the primary appeal of integrating high-powered AI directly into iPhones is its promise to closely understand users, in contrast to OpenAI’s GPT-4. Federighi noted that the tool aims to function in a similar way to a “Gary from Veep” character, assisting users in managing both personal and professional aspects of their lives seamlessly.