Apple is working on a revamped Siri with more ChatGPT-like capabilities
Apple is finally taking steps to modernize Siri, aiming to enhance its conversational abilities and make it more adept at handling complex tasks, similar to OpenAI's ChatGPT or Google's Gemini. The new and improved Siri, internally known as “LLM Siri,” leverages advanced large language models (LLMs) to facilitate seamless conversations and provide quicker responses. Apple is expected to introduce this upgraded Siri as part of the iOS 19 and macOS 16 updates by 2025, with a full release to consumers slated for 2026.
Siri's Evolution
For a long time, Siri has been trailing behind its competitors in terms of natural conversation and advanced functionality. While virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby continued to improve, Siri remained limited in its capabilities, earning a reputation for being too simplistic. Factors such as Apple's emphasis on privacy and its closed ecosystem contributed to Siri's outdated feel compared to other virtual assistants. Now, Apple is determined to change that perception.
Integration with Third-Party Apps
The revamped Siri will be more deeply integrated with third-party applications through enhanced App Intents and will capitalize on Apple Intelligence features, such as text summarization and content generation. The goal is to develop an AI assistant that embodies the intuitiveness of Apple's hardware while rivaling state-of-the-art generative AI technologies. While user privacy remains a top priority for Apple, the company also intends to collaborate with third-party AI systems like ChatGPT in the interim before transitioning to proprietary solutions.
Testing the Waters
Interestingly, Apple is opting for a cautious approach by testing the new technology as a standalone application across iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Job postings seeking expertise in conversational AI indicate the seriousness with which Apple is approaching this strategic shift.
These developments signal a significant advancement for Siri, transforming it from a seemingly "basic" AI assistant to a highly functional tool that could compete with the likes of Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. However, with the timeline extending into 2026, Apple's “new Siri” still has ground to cover to catch up to its competitors.
Source: Bloomberg
