Apple’s focus has shifted to Apple Intelligence, a new AI initiative launched in October 2024 in the United States. This AI package is being continuously updated with features announced at the WWDC in June 2024. Many more features are expected to be added with iOS 18.4 and beyond.
An internal Apple memo has revealed the company’s top priorities for AI this year. Apple is working to improve its AI capabilities to compete with ChatGPT and Google Gemini. However, the rollout of these features has been slower than expected. Additionally, Apple had to withdraw AI-generated news summaries due to inaccuracies.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to enhance its AI and Siri, based on a leaked memo from Apple’s AI chief, John Giannandrea. A key executive, Kim Vorrath, will be moved to the AI department. Vorrath, who helped launch the Vision Pro software, has been with Apple for 36 years and will now serve as a deputy to Giannandrea. Her transfer suggests Apple Intelligence is a higher priority than the Vision Pro headset. She is known internally as a problem solver and contributed to the first iPhone’s software.
The memo outlines two main goals for Apple’s AI efforts: improving Siri and developing better AI models. Giannandrea admitted Apple is behind in AI, as Samsung announced the AI-equipped Galaxy S25, and Google has integrated its Gemini AI into many apps and devices.
Gurman reported that Siri is undergoing a major transformation into “LLM Siri,” a chatbot-like assistant. With the iOS 19 update, Siri aims to match ChatGPT and Gemini, allowing natural language conversations. This requires a significant overhaul and a new engine.
The development of “LLM Siri” would eliminate the need for ChatGPT integration, seen as a temporary solution. Apple prefers using its own software and hardware solutions for core technologies. The Siri enhancements promised for 2025 are just the beginning. Upcoming upgrades with iOS 18.4 will make Siri easier to use but won’t be the complete transformation needed.
It may take another year for Siri to become a chatbot like ChatGPT or Gemini, with the integration of “LLM Siri” possibly arriving with iOS 19.4 in April 2026.
Apple is currently preparing to release iOS 18.3, which will include minor updates. With iOS 18.4, the improved Siri and Apple Intelligence are expected to launch officially in Europe, including Germany.