As anticipation builds for Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) and the unveiling of iOS 18 in 2024, rumours are swirling about the potential AI enhancements on the horizon. A fresh report suggests that Siri, Apple's digital assistant, is set for a major upgrade that will make it more conversational and adept at handling various tasks.
The evolution of Siri
According to the New York Times and MacRumors, Apple has been refining Siri to be a stronger competitor against advanced AI technologies like ChatGPT. This effort has been ongoing for over a year, focusing on transforming Siri into a more dynamic assistant capable of sustaining longer conversations rather than merely responding to isolated commands.
The report indicates that the new Siri will excel in traditional roles such as managing timers, scheduling calendar appointments, and organising lists. Additionally, an intriguing new feature could be the ability to summarise text messages, hinting at more sophisticated comprehension and interaction capabilities.
The development of this enhanced Siri has not come without its trade-offs. It appears that Apple has diverted additional resources towards Siri's evolution, which has contributed to the shelving of other ambitious projects like the Apple Car.
AI strategy and collaborations
Amid these developments, Apple's AI strategy remains a hot topic. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a notable source for Apple insights, has shared details on how these upgrades might be implemented. Apple is reportedly advancing its own Large Language Models (LLMs) for both local processing on devices and cloud-based tasks. This suggests a shift towards more autonomous technological capabilities within Apple's ecosystem.
Furthermore, Apple may integrate a third-party chatbot into its system—potentially ChatGPT from OpenAI or Google Gemini. Gurman likens this approach to Apple's strategy with web search, where it partners with Google to power search functionalities while maintaining its interface and user interaction.
While Apple's plans for integrating and developing AI technologies are becoming clearer, the exact dynamics between its proprietary models and third-party services remain ambiguous. As WWDC 2024 approaches, starting on June 10, clarity is expected to emerge, revealing the depth and breadth of Apple's commitment to AI innovation.
