Apple to launch generative AI-powered Siri in iOS 18: What to expect?

Apple is reportedly working on a major upgrade for its voice assistant Siri, which could be powered by a generative AI chatbot similar to ChatGPT. The new Siri could be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 in June, and be part of the iOS 18 software update for iPhone users later this year.

According to a report by, The Information, Apple plans to incorporate large language models (LLMs) into Siri, which would enable users to automate complex tasks and queries using natural language. The report also said that the new Siri would involve deeper integration with the Shortcuts app, which allows users to create custom workflows and commands for various apps and services.

Apple's move is seen as an attempt to catch up with the competition in the AI space, especially from ChatGPT, the leading generative AI platform developed by OpenAI. ChatGPT is an LLM that can generate coherent and engaging text, images, code, and other content, based on a given prompt or context. ChatGPT has been used to create various applications and products, such as chatbots, games, websites, and more.

However, Apple's approach to generative AI is expected to be different from ChatGPT in two ways: on-device processing and multimodal capabilities. On-device processing means that the AI processing would happen on the user's device, rather than on a remote server, which would enhance the speed and privacy of the service. Multimodal capabilities mean that the AI service would not only handle text but also audio and video, which would expand the scope and functionality of the service.

Apple has already created its own LLM, dubbed AppleGPT, which is currently being used internally for research and development purposes. AppleGPT is rumored to be comparable to ChatGPT in terms of quality and performance but with a smaller size and lower computing cost. Apple has also moved several top AI developers from its research group to a new team called GenAI, which is led by corporate vice president Misha Bilenko and reports to CTO Kevin Scott.

Apple has not officially confirmed or commented on its generative AI plans, but analysts expect the company to make a significant announcement at WWDC 2024. If the new Siri is indeed powered by a generative AI chatbot, it could be a game-changer for Apple and its users, as it could offer a more natural, intelligent, and personalized experience. However, it could also face regulatory and ethical challenges, as generative AI poses various risks and concerns, such as bias, misinformation, and abuse.