Apple is preparing to unveil significant upgrades to its virtual assistant, Siri, along with a new generative AI search engine. Following a lengthy development process, these enhancements are expected to be revealed in the upcoming months, marking a pivotal moment for the technology giant.
At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple introduced three major updates for Siri, integrating advanced AI capabilities. Initially slated for release with iOS 18.4, the launch faced delays due to engineering challenges. Apple opted to rebuild Siri from the ground up, transitioning to a new infrastructure based on large language models (LLMs).
Currently, there are indications that Apple may partner with Google’s Gemini to power these new features. Should this integration occur, it will utilize Private Cloud Compute technology, ensuring that Google does not access any user data from Siri queries. According to a report by Macworld’s Filipe Esposito, the new Siri capabilities are now on track for a launch alongside iOS 26.4, as suggested by recently discovered Apple code.
Anticipated Features and Timeline
In addition to the Siri upgrades, Apple is also working on a generative AI search engine, a project first announced in August 2023. Mark Gurman has indicated that this new search engine could debut as early as March 2024, coinciding with the anticipated release of iOS 26.4.
While Apple has not officially specified the release date for iOS 26.4, historical patterns suggest it will likely be available in March or April. Furthermore, the first beta version could be unveiled as soon as next month, allowing users their first glimpse of the revamped Siri in under six weeks.
With these developments, Apple aims to enhance user experience significantly, positioning itself competitively in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The integration of advanced AI capabilities into Siri and the introduction of a dedicated AI search engine represent a strategic move to redefine how users interact with technology.
As anticipation builds for these updates, the tech community is closely monitoring Apple’s progress and looking forward to the potential impact on both users and the market.