Apple is facing significant hurdles in rebuilding Siri to keep pace with the rapid advancements in generative AI, according to a report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The tech giant is expected to take until 2027 to release a truly modernized, conversational version of Siri, which will likely debut with the launch of iOS 20.
Despite this timeline, Apple is not standing still. A new version of Siri is slated to be released in May, finally incorporating the Apple Intelligence features announced nearly a year ago. This update will mark a significant step forward for the virtual assistant, but it will still not be the fully conversational AI experience that users are increasingly expecting.
Gurman describes the upcoming Siri version as having "two brains," one dedicated to handling older commands like setting timers and making calls, and the other focused on more advanced queries that can leverage user data. This dual-system approach is seen as a necessary stepping stone towards the development of a more advanced Siri, which Apple internally refers to as "LLM Siri."
The LLM Siri system is expected to be announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, with a launch planned for spring 2026. Only after this system is in place will Apple be able to fully pursue the development of Siri's advanced capabilities, which might then roll out the following year. This phased approach underscores the complexity and challenges involved in creating a truly conversational AI experience.
The delay in releasing a modernized Siri is significant, given the rapid progress being made in generative AI by other companies. Apple's struggles to revamp Siri highlight the difficulties in integrating AI capabilities into existing products, while also ensuring a seamless user experience. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, Apple's ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge.
The implications of Apple's Siri struggles extend beyond the company itself, with broader implications for the tech industry as a whole. As AI capabilities continue to advance, users are increasingly expecting more sophisticated and conversational interactions with virtual assistants. Apple's challenges in delivering a modernized Siri serve as a reminder of the significant technical hurdles that must be overcome to meet these rising expectations.
In conclusion, Apple's struggles to revamp Siri for the generative AI era are a significant development in the tech landscape. While the company is making progress, the delay in releasing a truly conversational version of Siri until iOS 20 in 2027 highlights the complexity and challenges involved in integrating AI capabilities into existing products. As the tech industry continues to evolve, Apple's ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge and delivering the AI experiences that users are increasingly expecting.