Cupertino, CA – May 31, 2024 –
Apple Inc. is poised to revolutionize the functionality of Siri with a significant AI update, granting users unprecedented control over specific iPhone app features via voice commands. According to a report from Bloomberg, this transformative upgrade will be part of the upcoming iOS 18, slated for release next year.
The enhancements to Siri will enable it to analyze user activity and autonomously activate Siri-controlled features. Initially, Siri will support hundreds of commands within Apple-developed apps, as detailed by Bloomberg. This move underscores Apple’s commitment to integrating more sophisticated AI capabilities into its ecosystem, providing a seamless and intuitive user experience.
To start, Siri will process one command at a time, but Apple plans to expand its capabilities to handle multiple tasks in a single request. For instance, users will soon be able to instruct Siri to summarize a recorded meeting and then send the summary to a contact. This functionality mirrors promises made by Samsung with its Bixby assistant in 2017, suggesting a competitive edge in AI-driven voice control within proprietary apps.
The mechanics of this new technology remain partly speculative, though comparisons are drawn to Microsoft’s recent demonstration of its GPT-4-powered Copilot assistant. Copilot showcased abilities such as screen monitoring and providing real-time tips, hinting at the potential for Siri to similarly enhance user interaction and productivity.
Bloomberg’s report also highlights Apple’s strategy to manage many AI requests on-device, processing simpler commands locally on the iPhone while outsourcing more complex tasks to the cloud. Speculations abound regarding a partnership between Apple and OpenAI, with suggestions that Apple will leverage M2 Ultra chips and Secure Enclave to ensure data processed remotely maintains the highest security standards, akin to on-device data.
Multiple sources corroborate these developments. Research papers and findings from AppleInsider indicate that Apple is preparing to overhaul Siri extensively. Anticipated features include the ability to analyze and summarize texts in Messages and the introduction of AI transcription services in Voice Memos and Notes.
Although the revamped Siri is not expected until next year, Apple enthusiasts can look forward to a preview of these innovations at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 10th.
