New Version of Siri With Generative AI Again Rumored for WWDC

[MacRumors]

Apple is preparing to preview a new version of Siri with generative AI and a range of new capabilities at WWDC, according to a post on the Korean social media site Naver from a user with a track record for posting Apple rumors.

According to developer sources speaking to the operator of tech news aggregator account "yeux1122" on Naver, Apple has recently made progress with integrating generative AI into Siri using its Ajax-based model that Bloomberg's Mark Gurman first mentioned in July. The new version of Siri apparently touts natural conversation capabilities, as well as increased user personalization.

The new features are believed to be available across devices, suggesting that the new version of Siri will retain conversation information from one device to another. It is also said to feature a new "Apple-specific creational service," which might relate to the previously reported Siri-based Shortcuts capabilities rumored for iOS 18.

Apple is purportedly working on linkages for the new version of Siri to connect to various external services, likely via an API. Finally, the report suggests that some of Apple's new AI features may differ based on subscription service status, but it is unclear what shape this could take.

A recent forecast from Deepwater Asset Management similarly claimed that Apple will bring generative AI to Siri this year. The Naver blog account has a mixed track record for forecasting Apple's plans, but some of its claims have proven to be significant. For example, in March 2022 it accurately revealed some details about the third-generation iPhone SE ahead of Apple launching the model. In October of the same year it also accurately predicted that Apple would delay the release of new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models until early 2023.

Article Link: New Version of Siri With Generative AI Again Rumored for WWDC

 

[abatabia]

Only place for Siri to go is up.

 

[coachgq]

Will this be limited to iPhone 16 pro? I’m about to jump on a 15 for free through my carrier but as soon as I do, I’ll find out this is limited to a phone I don’t have when I could have just kept my 14 for another year.

 

[BanjoDudeAhoy]

I do wonder how AI can (in the mid to long term) be reconciled with the ubiquitous call for more sustainability.
It’s not exactly a secret how much energy AI data centers are using. So especially from a company like Apple I would like to see some kind of statement on that. Or are we just going to pretend this is good and absolutely essential use of insane amounts of energy?

Microsoft were recently pushing “ads” on the Xbox Home Screen to encourage users to save energy - while the company itself is massively pushing their AI crap. Like my individual savings of energy could possibly make any difference with that background. But sure, I’ll unplug my Xbox when I’m not using it.

 

[B4U]

This is just me, the moment that AI is added to Siri would be the moment I turn it off.
It is still unregulated unlike EU.

 

[PerfectChaos]

This is just me, the moment that AI is added to Siri would be the moment I turn it off.
It is still unregulated unlike EU.

True, but Siri is AI..

 

[MNWildFan]

Hopefully this could be what saves Siri, as unlike the other assistants, it's so far behind the rest it's not even funny

 

[jonnysods]

I just want her to be able to understand Australian... its hard sometimes!

 

[contacos]

Not interested until it finally understands me in different languages depending on who I am talking / writing to. The keyboard is smart enough to look at multiple dictionaries, yet all Siri can do is „this message seems to be in a different language, do you still want me to proceed with gibberish“

 

[antnythr]

I’m hopeful that whatever comes from this is at least as good as ChatGPT. Siri is hot garbage right now and pretty much just an expensive egg timer.

 

[4nNtt]

Makes sense, but language models could be slowly introduced in just certain types of queries. I imagine we will get the ability to ask about current events with Apple News+.

 

[Apple_Robert]

As long as Apple protects user privacy…

 

[IllegitimateValor]

Finally, the report suggests that some of Apple's new AI features may differ based on subscription service status, but it is unclear what shape this could take.

I miss the value of owning a function in perpetuity. Yesterday the DICTIONARY didn’t have a word I needed to look up, but offered the souped up dictionary with that definition and more for a small yearly subscription fee.

Endless subscription services are a capitalistic evil we must escape. How can we kill this cancer?

Edit: Add to this the headache of being too poor to retain subscriptions, turning them off, and being stuck with ONLY the music I purchased pre-Apple Music despite years of money spent. The prices are too high for such a small amount going to artists.

 

[siddavis]

Finally, the report suggests that some of Apple's new AI features may differ based on subscription service status, but it is unclear what shape this could take.

Only Apple would make this a premium offering. You must buy their $1000+ phone AND have a recurring subscription to get a voice assistant that can do the basics.

 

[BanjoDudeAhoy]

Not interested until it finally understands me in different languages depending on who I am talking / writing to. The keyboard is smart enough to look at multiple dictionaries, yet all Siri can do is „this message seems to be in a different language, do you still want me to proceed with gibberish“

This would be nice, yes. I speak mainly English but I don’t live in an English-speaking country. Asking about the weather conditions in any of the surrounding cities always gives me weather reports for US cities whose names sound vaguely similar.

 

[MacMan988]

They will need some time to make sure the responses are politically correct and lawyers are happy with it.

 

[coffeemilktea]

I would be thrilled if Siri could just give answers to simple questions instead of directing me to Google all the time.

(seriously, the bar is so low and Siri still has trouble meeting it 😩)

 

[Truben]

First thing I did when I bought the iPhone 15 Pro was disconnect Siri. I'm not interested in AI at all... until the inventors of such a Frankenstein learn to be educated and respect the laws of intellectual property. Call me Boomer, but I'm a voice-over talent and don't like how the menacing horizon tries to make us so dull and stupid to not being able to appreciate and distinguish a real human voice from a synthetic one. Tech is OK as a tool but not as a loaded weapon inside my mouth.

 

[ghanwani]

Only place for Siri to go is up.

Don’t underestimate Apple.

 

[arkitect]

Come on Apple!
Get it right this time.
Please.

Example:

A day or so before christmas I had to go to collect our Christmas bird at the butchers.
I asked Siri, what time I had to go and collect.

Oh honestly!
The clue, dear Siri Apple is in the address.

Siri fails completely at these contextual clues that I have to admit Alexa does exceptionally well.

I truly hope Apple get this sorted.

Right now I only use Siri to set timers.
What a waste.

 

[florida man]

Will this be limited to iPhone 16 pro? I’m about to jump on a 15 for free through my carrier but as soon as I do, I’ll find out this is limited to a phone I don’t have when I could have just kept my 14 for another year.

Probably. Won’t be the first time Apple restricts a new feature to the newest devices to entice upgrades, even if older hardware can do it.

Annoying, but that’s what it means to be a publicly traded company.

 

[gatorvet96]

I do wonder how AI can (in the mid to long term) be reconciled with the ubiquitous call for more sustainability.
It’s not exactly a secret how much energy AI data centers are using. So especially from a company like Apple I would like to see some kind of statement on that. Or are we just going to pretend this is good and absolutely essential use of insane amounts of energy?

Microsoft were recently pushing “ads” on the Xbox Home Screen to encourage users to save energy - while the company itself is massively pushing their AI crap. Like my individual savings of energy could possibly make any difference with that background. But sure, I’ll unplug my Xbox when I’m not using it.

I can't speak about other companies, but Apple data farms are mostly solar or use sustainable energy, with a goal to be 100%

 

[Kylo83]

So like CarPlay next gen they will preview it for 2026 or something

 

[florida man]

First thing I did when I bought the iPhone 15 Pro was disconnect Siri. I'm not interested in AI at all... until the inventors of such a Frankenstein learn to be educated and respect the laws of intellectual property. Call me Boomer, but I'm a voice-over talent and don't like how the menacing horizon tries to make us so dull and stupid to not being able to appreciate and distinguish a real human voice from a synthetic one. Tech is OK as a tool but not as a loaded weapon inside my mouth.

99% of the people concerned about the differences between synthetic and real voices are the ones in the voice talent industry. Yes, it’s a real concern, but most people just don’t care that much.

When desktop publishing allowed anyone to create without hiring an artist, I’m sure artists were upset. Democratizing access to previously inaccessible services is one of the main benefits of technology in general.

 

[kiranmk2]

Probably. Won’t be the first time Apple restricts a new feature to the newest devices to entice upgrades, even if older hardware can do it.

Annoying, but that’s what it means to be a publicly traded company.

And not doubt iOS18 will limit generative Siri to Apple apps and that "magically" open it up to developers in iOS19...