Apple is secretly developing an internal AI chat application in preparation for a major upgrade to Siri
Apple is secretly developing an iPhone application similar to ChatGPT, aimed at testing and optimizing a major upgrade to Siri expected to launch next year. The application is codenamed "Veritas" and is currently for internal use only, designed to enhance Siri's interaction and execution capabilities, including searching user data and performing in-app operations. The next-generation Siri is expected to debut in March 2025, with upgrades combining self-developed large language models and third-party models to enhance its intelligent features. Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized that AI is a field in which the company must excel
According to Zhitong Finance APP, on Friday, Apple (AAPL.US) is secretly developing an iPhone application similar to ChatGPT for testing and optimizing a major upgrade to Siri expected to launch next year. This internal testing tool is seen as an important move for Apple to regain initiative in the field of generative artificial intelligence (AI).
It is reported that the application is codenamed "Veritas" (Latin for "truth") and is currently only available for internal use by Apple's AI department, with no plans for public release. Through Veritas, Apple engineers can more efficiently evaluate the capabilities of the next-generation Siri, including searching user personal data (such as music and emails) and performing in-app actions like editing photos. The tool can also collect feedback from testers to assess whether the "chatbot" mode is more valuable.
The next-generation Siri is expected to debut as early as March 2025, having been delayed multiple times due to engineering issues. Insiders revealed that it was originally planned for release this spring, but due to a system functionality failure rate of up to one-third, Apple was forced to postpone. The software kernel for this upgrade is codenamed "Linwood," built by combining Apple's self-developed large language model with third-party models, aimed at significantly enhancing Siri's interaction and execution capabilities.
The upgraded Siri will support more intelligent features, including executing commands directly based on screen content, achieving seamless cross-application operations, and possessing conversation management capabilities similar to ChatGPT, allowing for the saving and backtracking of historical chats and supporting lengthy, multi-turn conversations. This will help Apple compete fiercely in the AI smartphone market against Alphabet (GOOG.US, GOOGL.US) owned Google and Samsung Electronics.
Apple CEO Tim Cook recently emphasized in an internal meeting that AI is the biggest technological transformation in decades, and the company must win in this field. Cook stated, "This is our opportunity, and we will invest the necessary resources to achieve it."
In addition to Siri, Apple also plans to launch a redesigned visual voice assistant interface by the end of next year and add more AI features to products like the HomePod smart speaker and Apple TV, even exploring AI-based web search services.
Earlier this year, Apple had discussions with OpenAI about the possibility of its technology supporting the next-generation Siri. Subsequently, Apple entered into deep negotiations with Anthropic but has recently intensified discussions with Google, planning to deploy a customized version of the Gemini platform to support the Siri upgrade.
The delay in the Siri upgrade has triggered a major adjustment in Apple's AI strategy. Reports indicate that Apple has marginalized AI chief John Giannandrea, and his core team has been restructured. Robby Walker, who was directly responsible for Siri, will leave in October; he previously founded the AKI (Answers, Knowledge, and Information) team, which has now become the core force in developing Apple's AI search capabilities
