What to know
- Apple is set to overhaul Siri with AI-powered capabilities via an iOS 18 update next year.
- An AI-powered Siri will be capable of handling hundreds of commands, controlling individual app functions, and handling multiple tasks with a single request.
- On-device AI support will unlock several new features and functions but will require an iPhone 15 Pro or later.
It may be a while before we see Siri’s big AI update. But come WWDC24, we expect glimpses of several new and unprecedented changes. With a deal with OpenAI in the bag, Apple’s headed in a direction that may very well change the way one uses Apple products. Here are five ways an AI-enabled Siri is poised to revolutionize virtual assistants and make AI mainstream.
How Siri’s AI Update will be a game changer for Apple
A revamped Siri is reported to arrive as an update to iOS 18 no sooner than next year. With several reports already pointing to a massive overhaul in terms of functionality, it’s not easy to overlook how these could fundamentally change how one uses the iPhone.
1. Control individual app functions with “hundreds” of commands
As per a Bloomberg report, Siri’s AI update will largely be focused on controlling individual app functions. With “hundreds” of commands, you’ll soon be able to precisely control your apps. Expect such things as opening specific documents and websites, summarizing articles, moving notes between folders, and much more, none of which are in any way ‘simple’ functions that we’re used to seeing on AI-integrated apps and devices.
2. Siri will (eventually) handle multiple tasks with a single request
Reports also indicate that an AI-powered Siri will be limited to processing one command at a time, in the early days at least. Apple is planning to eventually empower Siri to be able to execute multiple tasks with a single request, like summarizing recorded meetings and sharing it with others.
As these commands are improved over time, you could effectively control most – if not all – functions using just your voice. Imagine controlling your iPhone without ever picking it up. That’s one for the thumbs!
3. On-device AI support (for simpler commands)
For the sake of privacy as much as speed, Apple’s focus remains firmly on executing these AI requests offline and on-device. That would definitely be the case for simple commands and basic tasks. But more complex requests will have to be transmitted to the cloud for AI processing. The upgraded Siri will determine whether the request can be performed on-device or if it requires cloud support.
Apple is betting that the new AI features for the iPhone will encourage users to upgrade their devices. Many of the on-device AI capabilities will require an iPhone 15 Pro or later to work. Macs and iPads, meanwhile, will need at least an M1 chip. https://t.co/iSDTs6Xahi
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) May 31, 2024
In order to buff up its capabilities, on-device AI will also require an iPhone 15 Pro or later to work. This may be disappointing for users who have recently bought an iPhone. But to get on the AI bandwagon, a device upgrade is inevitable. Apple would have to deliver several useful AI functions to encourage users to do so. Macs and iPads too will require at least an M1 chip for new AI features. So the changes seem to be arriving across the board.
4. More natural, human-like responses
Although details of Apple’s deal with OpenAI are scant, the partnership is expected to improve Siri’s responses and give it more of a human touch, perhaps even something similar to ChatGPT’s Sky voice, though nothing that would upset Ms. Johansson.
An advanced LLM built into Siri’s underlying software is sure to boost how Siri interacts and the speed of its responses, allowing for more natural conversations to flow between it and the user.
5. Several new AI features
An AI-less Siri can currently only execute a few functions, such as looking up information, controlling smart appliances, or playing music. Although Apple encourages developers to create commands that allow Siri access to app features, and users too can create their own commands, an AI-powered Siri is bound to take this to the next level. By analyzing how the device is being used, the AI will automatically enable some features and make them easier to access with your voice.
A deeper AI integration into iOS will also facilitate new features. Some reports suggest this could include analyzing and summarizing text messages and AI transcription for Notes and Voices Memos. What exactly these will be is anyone’s guess. But we expect it to do more than teach Minecraft players how to craft a sword (as Microsoft demoed recently with Copilot).
This year’s WWDC (on 10th June) is gearing up to be a watershed moment for not just Siri, but virtual assistants and Apple devices at large. Even though we might only get glimpses of it at the developers conference, these should help corroborate all the speculations and rumors surrounding what Apple has in store for Siri’s future. And we can’t wait!
