Apple is quietly building a ChatGPT and Gemini rival
A conversational Siri could help iOS users handle tasks across multiple apps.
Before Apple acquired it in 2011, Siri was a standalone app designed to change how users interacted with their iOS devices. Under Apple’s stewardship, Siri became a pioneer in voice assistants, setting a benchmark that inspired competitors like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
However, as AI technology advanced, Siri’s limitations became apparent, falling behind rivals that offered more conversational and versatile experiences. Now, Apple is looking to regain its footing with a major update. According to a Bloomberg report, the company is developing “LLM Siri,” a version powered by advanced large language models.
Set to launch in Spring 2026, this iteration aims to make Siri significantly more conversational and capable of handling intricate tasks across multiple apps. For example, users might soon ask Siri to summarize email threads, draft replies, and sync schedules seamlessly. Such capabilities align with the high standards set by competitors like ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode and Google’s Gemini Live. Apple also reportedly plans to completely overhaul Siri’s interface, signalling a bold shift in its AI strategy.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
To bridge the gap until the update is ready, Apple is leveraging third-party solutions. For one, OpenAI’s ChatGPT is set to integrate with Apple Intelligence come December with iOS 18.2, offering iOS users access to advanced conversational tools. Additionally, Apple is said to be exploring collaborations with other AI providers like Google and Anthropic, underlining its commitment to enhancing Siri’s functionality in the interim.
Despite these efforts, the challenge is steep. Google has already woven generative AI deeply into its ecosystem, offering unparalleled personalization and interactivity through platforms like Gemini. Similarly, Amazon’s Alexa continues to lead in smart home applications, supported by extensive integrations and a versatile feature set.
For Apple, the stakes go beyond reclaiming lost ground. “LLM Siri” could be about redefining how Siri's ~660 million users interact with devices in a world increasingly shaped by conversational AI. Whether Apple’s strategy will restore Siri to its former prominence remains uncertain, but its focus on innovation suggests a pivotal moment for the Cupertino tech giant’s future in AI.
