Apple revamps Siri as it tries to catch up in the AI race
Apple introduced a revamped Siri AI assistant at its developers conference, integrating advanced features like photo-based location detection, bill-splitting, and customizable voices while emphasizing privacy and child safety. The upgrade will roll out in English later this year, excluding the EU and China initially, as Apple shifts leadership from Tim Cook to John Ternus for hardware oversight.
Apple announced a major overhaul of Siri at its developers conference, positioning the AI assistant to compete with rivals like ChatGPT and Gemini. The updated Siri can extract details from photos, messages, and web searches, split bills from receipts, and offer customizable voice tones, all while maintaining Apple’s focus on privacy and data security. Information shared with Apple Intelligence will not be stored or accessed by the company, according to Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering. The revamped Siri will be accessible through voice commands, a side-button press, or the Spotlight search tool across Apple devices. A standalone Siri AI app will also allow users to view all AI interactions in one place. The rollout begins in English later this year, with plans to expand to other languages, though it will initially exclude the European Union and China due to regulatory hurdles. Apple introduced new parental controls to address concerns over screen time and child safety, including website and app restrictions for users under 13. The company expanded a safety tool to block violent or gore-filled images sent via messages and added time limits for entertainment, games, and social media. Leadership for the project transitions from Tim Cook to John Ternus, Apple’s hardware chief, as the company invests heavily in AI infrastructure. The update reflects Apple’s push to catch up in the AI race, where competitors like OpenAI and Google are investing billions in chatbots and AI-powered devices. While AI tools are gaining traction for tasks like research and coding, concerns persist over risks such as harmful content and job displacement. Apple’s emphasis on privacy and safety sets it apart amid growing scrutiny over AI’s broader societal impact.
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