Apple is preparing a substantial enhancement to its Siri virtual assistant, aiming for a release in 2026. This upgrade is expected to incorporate advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, potentially positioning Siri as a direct competitor to existing AI assistants like ChatGPT and Google's offerings.
According to reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is developing a new Siri chatbot for iOS 27, designed to function similarly to AI chatbots such as ChatGPT. (macrumors.com) This development marks a significant shift from Apple's previous stance, where executives emphasized that building a chatbot was not the primary goal. (techcrunch.com)
The forthcoming Siri upgrade is anticipated to be integrated into iOS 26.4, with a release expected in March 2026. (9to5mac.com) This version aims to provide a more conversational experience, leveraging large language models to handle complex, multi-step tasks with greater contextual awareness. (techcrunch.com)
In addition to the Siri enhancements, Apple is reportedly working on a separate AI-powered chatbot, internally referred to as "Knowledge." This application would pull information directly from the web, operating similarly to previously reported internal Apple projects, such as Ajax and Ask—sometimes nicknamed “AppleGPT.” (indiatoday.in) However, it remains uncertain whether "Knowledge" will ultimately launch as a consumer-facing product.
These developments indicate Apple's commitment to advancing its AI capabilities, aiming to offer more sophisticated and contextually aware virtual assistant experiences to users.
Apple's Siri AI Overhaul and New Chatbot Developments:
- LLM Siri With 'World Knowledge' Search Feature Coming in Early 2026 - MacRumors
- Bloomberg: Apple targets iOS 26.4 for long-delayed Siri AI upgrade - 9to5Mac, Published on Thursday, June 12search8