Apple overhauling Siri with advanced AI for enhanced voice controls

Apple is reportedly working on a major update for its Siri voice assistant, utilizing advanced AI powered by large language models (LLMs).

According to Bloomberg, this new version will enable users to perform specific app functions with voice commands, such as opening documents and sending emails.

Initially, the revamped Siri will only support Apple's own apps. Although it won't debut with iOS 18, it may be released as an update early next year. The assistant will analyze phone activity to automatically enable Siri-controlled features and support "hundreds" of commands, though it will initially process only one command at a time. Later updates are expected to allow multiple tasks in a single request.

Early supported commands include sending or deleting emails, opening specific sites in Apple News, and summarizing articles. Eventually, Siri will be able to handle more complex tasks like summarizing a recorded meeting and texting it to a colleague in one request.

It's unclear which LLM Apple will use, but reports suggest a potential deal with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into iOS 18. Apple may also be negotiating with Google to incorporate Gemini AI into iPhone search. The company plans to handle many AI requests on-device while using the cloud for more complex tasks.

Apple is expected to emphasize AI developments at its WWDC 2024 conference from June 10 to June 14.