Why it matters: Apple plans to completely overhaul Siri with advanced AI capabilities to compete with ChatGPT and Google Gemini, but users will have to wait until 2026 for the full release. As reported by The Verge, this extended timeline raises questions about Apple’s ability to keep pace in the rapidly evolving AI assistant market, while also highlighting the company’s characteristic approach of prioritizing polished features over speed to market.
The Big Picture: Currently being tested as a separate app, the new “LLM Siri” will eventually replace the existing Siri interface across Apple devices. Mashable reports that the upgrade promises more natural conversations and advanced task-handling capabilities powered by large language models.
- Initial announcement expected at WWDC 2025
- Full release planned for spring 2026 (Bloomberg)
Interim Updates: Apple isn’t standing still while developing LLM Siri. The company is rolling out incremental improvements through iOS 18 updates, including enhanced voice recognition and ChatGPT integration, in addition to the recent Satellite messaging feature.
- iOS 18.2 bringing ChatGPT features in December 2024
- New interface design with improved command processing
Privacy Focus: Apple’s approach emphasizes user privacy with on-device processing for sensitive tasks. When third-party AI services are needed, users will receive clear notifications and control over their data sharing. Something we all want whether we are using the best large screen phones or not.
Looking Forward: While Apple’s timeline may seem conservative compared to competitors, the company is laying groundwork for a more comprehensive AI assistant. The question remains whether this measured approach will help or hinder Apple’s position in the increasingly competitive AI assistant market.
