Apple to Launch Upgraded AI Siri Features in 2025: What to Expect

Apple is set to introduce significant AI enhancements to Siri with the upcoming iOS 18 update. According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, this update will allow Siri to control a wide range of functions within applications, greatly expanding its capabilities for users.

The new features will enable Siri to perform actions such as opening specific files, moving notes, deleting emails, summarizing articles, sending webpage links, and accessing specific news sites in Apple News. Additionally, Apple plans to utilize AI to analyze user interactions, which will allow Siri to activate these functions automatically.

To achieve this, Apple engineers are working on a complete overhaul of Siri's underlying software, incorporating large language models (LLMs) similar to those used by chatbots like ChatGPT. Apple is in discussions with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT technology into iOS 18, while also exploring a collaboration with Google on their Gemini initiative. However, the core functionalities of Siri will primarily rely on Apple's own LLM development.

Initially, these new Siri features will be restricted to Apple applications and will only respond to one command at a time. Apple aims to eventually enable Siri to handle multiple commands simultaneously, such as taking a photo and sending it in one go.

Although these improvements will be introduced at the 2024 WWDC event, Apple does not plan to roll out these features upon the initial release of iOS 18, scheduled for September 2024. A comprehensive upgrade is expected to follow in updates throughout 2025.

Basic AI tasks in iOS 18 will be processed directly on the device, while more complex functions will rely on Apple's cloud servers. Gurman previously stated that Apple intended to handle all functionalities on-device for privacy purposes. Recent reports, however, suggest that the new Siri technology may determine whether requests are processed by the device or require server support. On-device AI functionalities will primarily require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, while iPadOS 18 and macOS 15 will need M1 chips or later.

According to The Information, Apple's AI servers will be powered by M2 Ultra and M4 chips, with plans to use Secure Enclave to protect data processing from external access, including Apple itself. Gurman also mentioned that Apple will provide users with “smart reports” detailing the measures in place for data security.

Further information about the new AI capabilities for Siri will be revealed at the WWDC 2024 event, scheduled for June 10.