Apple is preparing to take Siri to the next level with the introduction of 'LLM Siri,' an advanced AI assistant designed to rival the likes of OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini Live. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple plans to integrate this new version of Siri into its ecosystem as early as next year, with a full launch expected by spring 2026.
The next update for Siri will greatly improve the functionality of the assistant, getting the assistant to be more chatty and capable of performing more elaborate activities. Integrated with Apple's variants of AI, 'LLM Siri' will provide an extended conversational ability that transcends simple voice operations with the help of voice assistant Siri. This is a departure from Siri's current, somewhat more limited capabilities.
Apple's AI integration plans will allow Siri to do several new things. Interestingly, it will also provide the assistant with a broader App Intents capability to extend third-party capabilities in the Apple environment. Moreover 'LLM Siri' will employ Apple Intelligence to convert text into writing and reverse a lighter burden on Siri regarding extra and intricate tasks like organizing text creation and summary making.
Though Apple has been slow to roll out its AI features, the company is catching up with its competitors. Recently, Apple added a ChatGPT integration to Siri as part of the iOS 18.2 beta, signaling the company's growing focus on AI. However, 'LLM Siri' is expected to take this integration to a new level with a more robust, AI-powered experience.
In the latest interview with The Wall Street Journal, Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of software, explained how Siri differs from other AI models like ChatGPT. ChatGPT, of course, excels at answering complex questions, as well as producing content, said he, and the core strength of Siri, however, is in its ability to perform practical tasks quickly and locally on devices like controlling smart home devices, for example, or sending text messages, he added.
Apple's new AI-focused strategy is also expected to bring further improvements to Siri's functionality, such as its ability to "understand" what's on the user's screen and take actions within apps, which is expected to roll out in 2025. By transforming Siri into a more capable and intelligent assistant, Apple hopes to stay competitive in the rapidly advancing AI space.