Will iOS 18 Bring the Siri AI We’ve All Been Waiting For?

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TL;DR:

• Apple rumored to be integrating large language models into Siri with iOS 18 for smarter, more natural conversations
• The “Siri AI” upgrade could allow handling complex multi-step requests through voice
• Advanced capabilities may initially be limited to iPhone 16 lineup due to hardware requirements
• Apple aiming to enable AI features while keeping data processing on-device for privacy
• WWDC 2024 expected to unveil official details on Siri’s AI capabilities in iOS 18

For years, Apple‘s virtual assistant Siri has lagged behind competitors like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant when it comes to advanced AI capabilities. But if the latest rumors prove true, that could all change with the next major Apple iOS update.

According to multiple reports, Apple is working on integrating large language models (LLMs) — the same technology behind ChatGPT and other generative AI tools — into Siri for iOS 18. This artificial intelligence upgrade could finally give Siri the smarts to engage in more natural, context-aware conversations and handle complex, multi-step requests.

Unlocking Siri’s AI Potential

So what exactly can we expect from this rumored “Siri AI” in iOS 18? For starters, it could allow Apple’s virtual assistant to understand and respond to more nuanced voice commands, following along in back-and-forth dialog rather than just executing simple one-off requests.

The integration of large language models may enable Siri to combine multiple capabilities into a single flow — like taking a series of photos, creating a GIF from them, and sending it to a contact, all through voice prompts. It could also open the door for Siri to assist with tasks like proofreading texts or summarizing message conversations within apps like Messages.

But perhaps most interestingly, reports indicate Apple aims to enable these advanced AI capabilities while still keeping data processing on-device for maximum privacy — potentially giving Siri an edge over cloud-based assistants.

Hardware to Match the Software

Of course, powering conversational AI features will likely require specialized hardware — which is where the rumored iPhone 16 comes into play. According to analyst reports, the next-gen iPhones may pack upgraded microphones and a boosted “Neural Engine” to better facilitate voice input and on-device processing for the new Siri AI.

Some have speculated that the most advanced Siri AI capabilities could be exclusive to the iPhone 16 lineup at first before trickling down to older models over time. But even a limited rollout would mark an exciting turning point for a virtual assistant that’s felt behind the curve in recent years.

Is Apple’s Virtual Assistant Finally Getting the AI Upgrade We’ve Been Waiting For?

While the details remain hazy for now, all eyes are on Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2024 for the official unveiling of iOS 18 and its AI-infused features. If the Siri AI rumors hold true, it could signal a new era for voice assistants — one where advanced natural language processing meets on-device data privacy.

Of course, only time will tell if Apple can truly deliver on the AI assistant promises we’ve been waiting for. But for Siri fans, iOS 18 is shaping up to be the update that finally lets their favorite virtual helper realize its full potential.

Is the era of mediocre virtual assistants finally ending? Rumors suggest Apple's Siri is getting a major AI upgrade with iOS 18 that could bring natural conversations, multi-step commands, and more! #SiriAI #iOS18 #AI #VirtualAssistants Share on X