Apple’s LLM Siri: The Voice Assistant Gets Smarter, But Can It Rival ChatGPT and Gemini?

Apple’s Siri has long been the iPhone’s trusted voice assistant, helping users with weather updates, reminders, and directions. But in the AI arms race, Siri has struggled to keep pace with conversational powerhouses like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. A significant change might be on the horizon, as Apple is reportedly working on a new version of Siri powered by large language models (LLMs). Internally referred to as "LLM Siri," this upgrade could transform the way users interact with their devices.

What We Know So Far

According to a recent Bloomberg report, Apple’s advanced Siri version is scheduled for release in 2026, with an official announcement expected as early as 2025. While the full rollout might take years, some features could arrive sooner. iOS users may see incremental updates that bridge the gap between today’s Siri and its future LLM-powered counterpart.

The revamped Siri is expected to handle complex, multi-step tasks, including navigating third-party apps and delivering more conversational responses. This contrasts sharply with Siri’s current limitations, which often leave users reaching for rival apps to complete advanced queries or tasks.

Why It Matters

Voice assistants have become a central aspect of the mobile ecosystem, but the rise of advanced AI tools like ChatGPT has shifted expectations. ChatGPT, which landed on iOS in May 2023, already integrates cutting-edge capabilities such as history synchronization and voice input powered by Whisper, OpenAI’s speech recognition technology (OpenAI Blog).

With Gemini rumored to join the platform soon, Apple faces mounting pressure to maintain Siri's relevance.

Integrating LLMs into Siri could open the door to more personalized and proactive interactions. Imagine Siri scheduling your day, booking travel, or managing third-party apps—all without the need for specific commands. However, this move also raises questions about Apple’s relationships with companies like Alphabet (the parent company of Google) and OpenAI, especially as these platforms gain more traction on iOS.

The Broader AI Landscape

Apple isn’t alone in its pursuit of smarter AI. Google recently launched Gemini, its next-generation conversational AI, and Microsoft has integrated OpenAI’s models into Bing. While Apple has been relatively quiet about its AI advancements, the company is undoubtedly investing heavily in this area. Earlier this year, reports suggested Apple spent millions daily on training its AI models (The Verge).

This competition isn’t just about who can build the smartest assistant; it’s also about shaping the future of AI monetization. Enhanced AI tools could generate billions in new revenue streams through app integrations, subscriptions, and services, as highlighted in Barron’s.

What’s Next for Apple and Siri?

While "LLM Siri" promises a major leap forward, Apple’s traditional approach to product secrecy leaves much unknown. Will Siri’s enhancements be tied exclusively to iPhones, or will we see broader integrations across Apple’s ecosystem, from Macs to wearables? And more importantly, can it match—or surpass—the user experience offered by ChatGPT and Gemini?

For now, Apple is playing the long game. The arrival of ChatGPT and potentially Gemini on iOS devices will challenge Siri to evolve rapidly. Whether "LLM Siri" delivers on its promise will ultimately depend on how Apple balances innovation with user trust and privacy—two cornerstones of its brand ethos.

What are your thoughts on Apple’s plans for Siri? Is "LLM Siri" the upgrade it needs to stay competitive, or has the AI train already left the station? Let us know in the comments!

References:

• Apple Prepares Siri for AI Overhaul (Bloomberg)
• Introducing ChatGPT for iOS (OpenAI)
• Apple’s AI Efforts Intensify (The Verge)
• Apple AI Revenue Potential (Barron’s)