Apple is scrambling to roll out a newer version of its digital voice assistant Siri featuring advanced conversational capabilities powered by generative AI. The iPhone maker recently put out job listings which suggest that it is determined to build a more conversational AI version of Siri, according to a report by Bloomberg. “You will join a team that is redefining computing, creating groundbreaking conversational assistant technologies for both large-scale systems and new client devices, and with the people who built the intelligent assistants,” one such job listing reportedly read. The company is currently on the lookout for candidates with knowledge about conversational AI interfaces and related technologies, it added. Internally code-named ‘LLM Siri’, the revamped voice assistant is expected to be part of the tech giant’s flagship AI offering called Apple Intelligence. Apple loyalists may be able to get a preview of the new Siri through the company’s upcoming iOS 19 and macOS 16 software updates that are likely to be rolled out sometime next year, Bloomberg reported, adding that the feature will only be fully available to all users in 2026. Can LLM Siri be Apple’s answer to ChatGPT Voice, Gemini Live? The revamped version of Siri is reportedly being developed in such a way that it draws from advanced large language models (LLMs) in order to ensure that users can have back-and-forth conversations with it. The Cupertino-based tech giant is also relying on AI to help Siri handle more sophisticated requests. It will also be able to use App Intents to take actions directly within third-party apps. While Apple developers have reportedly been using the AI-upgraded Siri on iPhones, iPads, and Macs through a separate app for testing purposes, the software is expected to eventually replace the Siri interface on existing Apple devices. Siri was first rolled out by Apple almost 13 years ago. In June this year, the company said that AI would help herald “the start of a new era” for the digital voice assistant. However, Apple is yet to overhaul the software with recent upgrades released under its Apple Intelligence banner focusing mostly on cosmetic changes such as a new glowing Siri interface. Users who have downloaded the iOS 18 software update now have the additional option to type commands to Siri, meaning that they no longer have to talk to Siri aloud. Meanwhile, the widely anticipated ChatGPT integration with Apple Intelligence is still awaited and could reportedly be rolled out next month. In the days to come, Apple could also add other AI chatbots such as Google’s Gemini as options for Apple Intelligence users.
