Apple’s Hidden Plans: A New Language Model Set to Replace Siri by 2026 – Numerama

Apple plans to enhance Siri by integrating ChatGPT in December, allowing users to receive more detailed responses. While focusing on specific use cases, Apple is also developing its own large language model (LLM) Siri, set to debut in 2026. This new version aims to improve interaction quality and may feature advanced capabilities like multimodal analysis. Apple seeks to ensure its offerings remain competitive without rushing the launch, as it balances AI advancements with investor confidence.

Apple’s Integration of ChatGPT into Siri

In December, Apple is set to enhance Siri by integrating ChatGPT into its functionality. When an English-speaking user queries the iPhone’s voice assistant and it lacks an answer, Siri will recommend consulting ChatGPT. Subsequently, it will relay the response generated by OpenAI’s chatbot, which is expected to provide a much richer answer than Siri could offer on its own.

Apple’s Vision for a New AI Assistant

This collaboration is officially aimed at upgrading Siri by surrounding it with superior AI capabilities. Apple has clarified that its strategy with Apple Intelligence does not revolve around creating yet another chatbot like those from OpenAI, Google, or Microsoft, but rather on focusing on specific use cases. Historically, Apple has maintained that it does not intend to replicate ChatGPT.

However, reports from Bloomberg indicate that Apple is actively working on the “LLM Siri” project, which represents a significant revamp of the voice assistant using a large language model akin to those developed by OpenAI or Google. By the spring of 2026, Apple plans to introduce its own chatbot, eliminating the need for ChatGPT to tackle complex inquiries.

Apple faces the challenge of keeping pace with advancements in AI technology while ensuring investor confidence remains intact. The delay until 2026 is attributed to Apple’s desire for a polished product that meets high standards, avoiding a rushed launch that might suggest inferiority compared to competitors’ offerings.

To achieve effectiveness, a large language model (LLM) must be trained on an extensive dataset, consisting of billions of documents, to formulate coherent responses without inaccuracies. Leading AI firms are developing models capable of reasoning or planning; thus, Apple cannot afford to enter the market with a product that feels like a mere imitation of ChatGPT.

According to Bloomberg, the LLM Siri is currently undergoing testing as a separate application by select employees. An official announcement is anticipated in 2025, coinciding with the release of iOS 19 during the WWDC in June, followed by a launch in spring 2026, likely alongside iOS 19.4. This new iteration of Siri will replace the original version launched in 2011, which has fallen behind contemporary voice assistants.

With LLM Siri, Apple aims to create a more responsive assistant, capable of addressing inquiries without needing to revert to ChatGPT at every uncertainty. Additionally, LLM Siri is expected to be a multimodal tool, potentially allowing it to analyze on-screen content through real-time image recognition. This overhaul might also pave the way for a modernized voice engine, facilitating more natural conversations akin to ChatGPT Voice or Gemini Live.

Will the upcoming Siri in 2025 meet expectations? Officially, Apple is poised to introduce a revamped Siri in 2025 with iOS 18.4. The company describes a hybrid model where requests are processed on the iPhone and, if necessary, a language model on Apple’s servers will be utilized. As a result, responses will improve, although Siri may still lag behind models like Gemini or ChatGPT in versatility.

The fully LLM-based Siri of 2026 is expected to elevate the voice assistant’s capabilities, allowing it to engage in extended conversations and comprehend detailed requests. While users will still have the option to access ChatGPT through Siri, it is anticipated that iPhones, iPads, and Macs will increasingly rely on Apple’s proprietary model. As we await 2026, there is a looming concern that competitors may significantly advance during this timeframe.

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