The Significant AI Transformation for Siri May Be Years Off

The Future of Siri: What’s Happening at Apple?

Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri, has been a staple on our devices for years. However, users have often wished for a more conversational and natural version of Siri. Recent reports from reliable sources suggest that a significant upgrade of Siri may be further away than many had hoped.

Current Status of Siri

Apple intended to deliver a more advanced version of Siri, but experts within Apple’s AI department believe that we might not see a true improvement until at least 2027, during the release of iOS 20. This insight comes from Mark Gurman, a notable tech journalist at Bloomberg, who has been closely following Apple’s advancements in artificial intelligence.

Upcoming Upgrades for Siri

While the complete transformation is still a few years off, an update is expected in iOS 18.5. This update will introduce a new language model that works separately from the existing Siri. This means we will have both the traditional Siri and the newer, more advanced version. However, Gurman notes that the existing Siri system “doesn’t work as smoothly as it could.”

The anticipated modern Siri aims to combine the best features of both systems. This new architecture should allow users to make simple requests, such as setting timers, while also enabling advanced tasks that utilize AI’s understanding of context—like accessing personal information or details from your screen.

Delays in Siri’s Development

Originally, Apple had planned to roll out this upgraded Siri architecture in iOS 19.4. However, according to Gurman, the project is facing delays and will not be revealed at the upcoming WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference), where Apple usually showcases new features. This setback reflects the complexity of developing a robust AI that can handle various tasks more efficiently.

Challenges Apple Faces

Apple is not alone in facing difficulties with AI upgrades. For instance, Amazon has also encountered challenges with its virtual assistant, Alexa. Panos Panay, the head of Devices and Services at Amazon, has stated that the new version of Alexa, known as Alexa Plus, has undergone a complete re-architecture. This means they are integrating both the old and new features to improve the user experience, and this updated version will be available to select devices soon.

Apple’s Struggles

Despite these industry-wide challenges, Apple is facing additional hurdles. Reports indicate that the company’s AI models are reaching their limits. One of the main issues is the difficulty in acquiring the necessary AI training hardware. Advanced hardware is crucial for improving AI models, and without it, making significant advancements becomes challenging. Furthermore, the AI department has struggled with leadership issues and has seen some talented workers leaving for rival companies, which could hinder their progress.

The Future of AI Assistants

In the world of AI assistants, both Apple and Amazon are trying to catch up with rivals who are swiftly progressing ahead. While some tech companies have been able to release robust AI functionalities that integrate seamlessly into various applications, Apple is yet to deliver a similar level of performance with Siri.

What Users Can Expect

Users may have to adjust to the idea that the long-awaited dramatic changes to Siri will take time. In the meantime, improvements are expected, even if they are incremental. As technology evolves, the hope is that future updates to Siri will enhance its ability to assist users in a more intuitive and conversational way.

Looking Ahead

The updates planned for Siri mark a significant step for Apple in creating a more user-friendly and capable AI assistant. However, the timeline for these advancements suggests that users may need to be patient. As Apple works through its challenges in AI development, it’s clear they are committed to evolving Siri into a more efficient assistant.

While it may not be the breakthrough many were hoping for in the immediate future, it is evident that Apple is striving to keep pace with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. As developments unfold, the tech community and Apple users alike are keenly watching to see how Siri will adapt to meet their needs in the years to come.