Apple is developing a ChatGPT-like application and conducting internal tests for a major upgrade to Siri

Apple develops ChatGPT-like application aimed at reshaping external perceptions of its AI capabilities.

According to media reports on September 26, Apple has developed an iPhone application similar to ChatGPT, codenamed Veritas (Latin for "truth"), which is undergoing internal testing for a major upgrade of its highly anticipated Siri.

The report cites informed sources stating that the testing includes capabilities such as searching for songs, emails, and other personal data, as well as in-app operations like photo editing. Veritas is currently for internal use only, and Apple has no plans to release it to consumers.

After several delays, the new version of Siri is now scheduled to debut as early as March next year. The success or failure of this release is crucial. If the new features are delivered on time, it will help Apple make a comeback in the AI field; otherwise, it may fall further behind competitors like Google and Samsung in the smartphone market.

As AI features are expected to become a more critical factor influencing consumer purchasing decisions next year, market competition is heating up. Notably, when Apple launched the iPhone 17 this month, it noticeably avoided highlighting its self-developed AI platform.

Veritas, the internal testing ground for Siri's transformation

The Veritas software essentially places the new Siri technology, which is still under development, into a standalone application so that employees can test it more efficiently and provide feedback on the value of the chatbot format.

The report cites informed sources revealing that the application is similar to mainstream chatbots on the market, allowing users to manage multiple conversations across different topics, save and reference past chat logs, and support long back-and-forth exchanges.

This internal application aims to test the underlying system of Siri, codenamed Linwood. This system is based on large language model technology, combining the results of Apple's internal foundational model team with third-party models.

Through Veritas, testers can also collect information from the internet and view summaries, which helps advance Apple's goal of directly competing with products like ChatGPT and Perplexity within the Siri interface.

Delays in Siri upgrade and new timeline

The road to the release of the new Siri has not been smooth.

Wall Street Journal previously mentioned that Apple originally planned to launch the Siri upgrade last spring, but due to engineering issues that led to a failure rate of up to one-third, the release was forced to be postponed.

Now, the new timeline is set for March next year, making it a high-stakes race for Apple.

The upgraded Siri aims to achieve a key function that the current version cannot complete: taking action based on the information displayed on the user's screen and allowing users to control devices more seamlessly through voice commands.

If Apple fails to deliver powerful AI features on time, its flagship products may lose their competitive edge. To drive the new version of Siri, Apple is relying on its internal team to develop the foundational model while actively seeking external collaborations to bridge the technological gap.

According to Wall Street Insight, Apple had discussions with OpenAI earlier this year to provide technical support for the new Siri, and subsequently entered into in-depth negotiations with Anthropic to use its Claude model.

Recently, Apple has intensified discussions with Google, planning to deploy a customized version of the Gemini platform for the new Siri.

"We must win": Apple's broader AI layout

Although executives have shown hesitation about directly entering the chatbot market in public and internal settings, Apple's ambitions in the AI field are evident.

In a recent meeting with employees, CEO Tim Cook stated that AI is the biggest transformation in decades and said:

The company must win; to some extent, this is within our grasp, and we will invest in it.

In addition to a significant upgrade to Siri, Apple plans to launch a visually redesigned version of Siri by the end of next year.

At the same time, according to a Wall Street Insight article, the company is developing a series of AI-driven smart home devices to add more AI features to HomePod and Apple TV, and is vigorously promoting AI-based web search