Many iPhone enthusiasts are on the edge of their seats awaiting the launch of a revamped Siri that promises a more personalized experience. This new iteration, often dubbed "personal Siri," is designed to sift through emails, texts, and various applications to provide users with precise answers to their inquiries. For instance, rather than just telling you the weather or setting alarms, this advanced Siri could help determine when your mother's flight is set to arrive, intelligently pulling the necessary details from relevant apps.
In a recent update from Bloomberg, Mark Gurman shared insights from his Power On newsletter regarding the rollout of this highly anticipated feature. The new capabilities are expected to make their debut in May, nearly a year after Apple first unveiled it at the previous year's WWDC Developers Conference. Gurman explains that the current Siri operates with two distinct functions: one handles traditional requests like placing calls and setting alarms, while the other manages complex inquiries and tasks that require access to user data for more personalized responses.
To expedite the launch of Apple Intelligence—aimed for inclusion in iOS 18—Gurman highlighted that Apple opted not to integrate these two functions seamlessly, causing the new feature to underperform. A fresh Siri architecture is anticipated to be showcased at this year's WWDC, with a more refined version set to be introduced in June 2026 as part of iOS 19.4. This upgrade is expected to unify Siri’s functionalities, enhancing its overall performance.
However, the much-anticipated Large Language Model Siri (LLM Siri), which aims to incorporate more conversational interactions akin to contemporary AI chatbots, won't be available until iOS 20 launches in 2027. This delay positions Apple at a disadvantage in the AI landscape, especially as competitors like Amazon have already unveiled more advanced features with their recent Alexa+ introduction.
It's hard not to reminisce about the excitement that surrounded the initial introduction of Siri with the iPhone 4s in 2011, an event that showcased a significant technological leap. Unfortunately, Apple has seen its opportunity for innovation diminish, facing challenges such as talent poaching and difficulties in sourcing AI accelerators, particularly from companies like Nvidia. Even OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, recently noted a shortage of GPUs. According to Gurman, Apple’s chip development team is exploring potential solutions, which may include creating their own AI accelerator chip.
For readers eager to experience these enhancements sooner, an option exists: by installing beta versions of iOS, users can stay ahead of the curve. While this method comes with the caveat of dealing with potential instability in beta releases, those willing to take the plunge might be able to showcase "personal Siri" and later, "LLM Siri," well ahead of the official iOS 20 launch set for September 2027. Remember to back up your iPhone before diving into the testing waters of beta software to preserve your data.
