Apple Working on 'LLM Siri' for 2026 Launch

[MacRumors]

Apple is working on a smarter version of Siri that employees have taken to calling "LLM Siri," reports Bloomberg. Apple is designing the more capable Siri to better compete with chatbots like ChatGPT, with plans to utilize "advanced large language models."

A chatbot version of Siri would be able to hold ongoing conversations, much like ChatGPT. Apple wants customers to be able to better converse with the personal assistant, with Siri responding more like a human. The use of large language models will also allow Siri to perform much more complex tasks, which Apple has to rely on OpenAI's ChatGPT for in iOS 18.2.

Apple is working on improving what Siri can do in and between apps with Apple Intelligence in iOS 18, and that will lay some of the groundwork for the updated version of Siri. For that functionality, Apple will use a first-generation Apple LLM to evaluate requests to determine whether the existing Siri infrastructure should be used, or if a second LLM that's able to handle more complex requests should be queried.

Apple is testing the new Siri in a separate app on iPhones, iPads, and Macs, but it will eventually replace the current version of Siri. The Siri update could be announced as soon as 2025, likely as part of the June Worldwide Developers Conference that will see Apple unveil iOS 19.

While Siri will be previewed early, Apple does not intend to launch the update until several months after it is unveiled. As of now, Apple is aiming for a spring 2026 launch date, but Apple's plans could change.

Article Link: Apple Working on 'LLM Siri' for 2026 Launch

 

[Shanesan]

A bit behind the ball even for Apple, but if Apple Intelligence can't make Siri smarter, what will?

 

[Fll01]

HolyS. Someone got really caught flat footed here! So the rumors about 2 years behind seem to be true. Incredible

 

[dba415]

Probably gonna be the dumbest AI out there

 

[grantishere]

So Siri understands context but without greater knowledge? I think that tells us "I found this on the web" will still be around for a while.

 

[jdavid_rp]

So that will be the exclusive feature of the iPhone 17 then?

 

[jayducharme]

At this point, I'll be happy with any improvements. I mean, Apple needs to get a lot more serious about this since Siri often can't even find music in my Apple Music library.

 

[ManBun]

Is this article From 2019?

 

[AndiG]

So that will be the exclusive feature of the iPhone 17 then?

Guess better camera and most awesome chip ever 😂😂😂 I mean, ever ever.

 

[Nickjames]

Been waiting on buying HomePods since the current ones probably won’t support a smarter Siri. Think I might as well buy and sell whenever time is due

 

[Havalo]

Announced in 2026 but globally available in 2028 based on Apple’s current standards.

 

[UpsideDownEclair]

Well that’s underwhelming. We’ll see about that personal context awareness in iOS 18.4 first

 

[Fll01]

Even hardcore fans have to admit that the 14-year pioneering role with Siri was a bit of a waste

 

[d4cloo]

If they want a 2026 release they’ll have to keep improving the LLM’s performance at the same pace as their major competitors.

My guess is that they’ll pick an open source model and create + maintain their own derivative, because creating one from scratch now is pointless and a losing game.

Their RAGS approach makes sense and it’s what OpenAI is doing as well.

You’ll need to be able to both rely on world knowledge and search, and the system needs to be able to determine when one of the two is needed (or both) to output the best possible return.

 

[Biro]

I wish Apple good luck. But Siri and AI will remain turned off on my devices.

EDIT: Again, as I have posted before elsewhere, I am fascinated by the downvotes. Exactly what is it that these people disagree with? My wishing Apple good luck? Or that I have Siri and AI turned off on my devices? I assure you that they are indeed turned off.

 

[maxfromdenmark]

Do we all get the proper Siri before we die?

 

[KENESS]

Even hardcore fans have to admit that the 14-year pioneering role with Siri was a bit of a waste

Yes. It's funny/sad to remember just how amazing everyone thought Siri was when it first came out. A shame to have let that initial lead evaporate.

That said, most of the time I do ok. I know not to push my luck with anything challenging. But man, when Siri is wrong, it's just stupid wrong.

 

[raindogg]

Part of iOS 19, but coming out in 2030.

 

[Dulcimer]

Apple is so ludicrously behind on software/AI innovations. Their early efforts with 18.1 leave much to be desired.

Wasted too much effort trying to productize “spatial computing” way too early in a form factor no consumer wants.

 

[airwalk331]

With "Apple AI" I should be able to tell Siri "Siri, play media through airpods " (when media is playing through airplay) and it just does it. It's so frustrating reading "Apple is making Siri better!" and it can't handle simple tasks like that.

Now I'm waiting for a much smarter computer programmer etc. to tell me "Actually, that's not a simple task". OK fine- but that's the kind of thing I think people expect AI + Siri to be able to do- carry out common tasks on the phone. Will siri ever truly be this good?

 

[Realityck]

Apple is testing the new Siri in a separate app on iPhones, iPads, and Macs, but it will eventually replace the current version of Siri. The Siri update could be announced as soon as 2025, likely as part of the June Worldwide Developers Conference that will see Apple unveil iOS 19.

Watch out Apple could tell you that its new Siri runs better on 12 GB RAM iPhones next Fall.

Its a given that Apple intends to make multiple AI processes run concurrently in the iOS/iPadOS 19, and MacOS 16.

 

[v0lume4]

At least we got some Apple ski goggles.

 

[scrapesleon]

to get this version of Siri u need to have the latest model devices because only their processors can't handle these complex Siri request

 

[ddhhddhh2]

I’m absolutely convinced now—Siri is hands down the smartest alarm-setting app in history. No question about it. Honestly, this is the one thing Siri has nailed over the years, and probably the only thing it’ll ever truly be proud of.

 

[macdaddy43]

This new Siri will require the iPhone 17 Pro Max Ultra Plus so everyone will have to upgrade again. But the feature won’t be released until right before the iPhone 18 Pro Max Ultra Plus