In a bid to stay at the forefront of the AI arms race, Apple is reportedly undertaking a massive upgrade to Siri, its voice-activated assistant, transitioning it into a more conversational and capable entity known as ‘LLM Siri.’ This move is poised to directly challenge the likes of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini Live, reshaping how users interact with their devices on a daily basis.
Apple’s Ambitious Plans for an AI-Enhanced Siri
According to a recent Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, Apple’s initiative to revamp Siri aims to equip the digital assistant with the ability to conduct more natural, engaging conversations akin to those facilitated by OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This development is slated for implementation by spring 2026 but could be announced as early as next year.
Apple intends to enhance Siri’s functionality, extending its capabilities to handle more complex tasks. This includes an “expanded” ability to interact with third-party apps through App Intents, as well as leveraging Apple’s own AI technologies to summarize texts and execute writing tasks.
A Comparative Edge: Siri vs. ChatGPT
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software, highlighted the distinct advantages that an AI-enhanced Siri offers over competitors like ChatGPT. While acknowledging the strengths of OpenAI’s model in generating responses on complex subjects and creative content, Federighi emphasized Siri’s efficiency in performing everyday tasks, such as opening garages or sending text messages, directly on the user’s device.
“OpenAI mode is great if you want to ask a question about quantum mechanics and have it write a poem for you about it… It’s not going to open your garage. It’s not going to help you send a text message,” Federighi explained. He further hinted at the convergence of these technologies, suggesting that the future of digital assistants lies in merging their diverse capabilities.
What’s Next for Siri?
The transition to ‘LLM Siri’ is part of a broader strategy to integrate more AI features into Apple’s ecosystem. Recent updates have already seen Siri gaining new functionalities, including the ability to understand on-screen content and perform actions within apps—features expected to debut next year.
This AI integration extends beyond mere functional enhancements; it represents a strategic move to solidify Apple’s position in the competitive tech landscape where AI capabilities are increasingly becoming a benchmark for consumer technology standards.
Apple’s slow yet strategic rollout of AI features, including the recent introduction of a ChatGPT integration in Siri as part of iOS 18.2 beta, reflects a careful approach to innovation. With these advancements, Apple not only aims to enhance user experience but also to set new industry standards for what smart devices can achieve.
As the anticipated release of ‘LLM Siri’ draws nearer, the tech community eagerly awaits to see how this next-generation digital assistant will redefine our interaction with technology, promising a more intuitive and versatile user experience in the ever-evolving digital age.
