Apple Inc. is reportedly planning a significant upgrade to Siri, its artificial intelligence (AI) assistant. The primary enhancement in this update involves enabling users to control specific features within iPhone apps using their voice. This substantial AI update will initially be available exclusively for Apple’s own apps, positioning Siri to analyze user activity on the phone and automatically activate Siri-controlled features.

The updated Siri is set to process single commands initially. However, the ability to handle multiple tasks in a single request will be introduced at a later stage. This evolution marks a significant shift in the way users interact with their devices, with the potential to streamline and simplify a range of tasks.

As part of Apple’s AI strategy, the tech giant intends to process basic AI requests on the device itself, with more complex requests being fetched from the cloud. There is ongoing speculation about a potential partnership with OpenAI for this initiative, which could significantly bolster Siri’s capabilities and reach.

In addition to these enhancements, Apple is also planning to introduce AI transcription to Voice Memos and Notes. This feature will enable users to transcribe voice recordings into text automatically. Furthermore, Siri will gain the ability to analyze and summarize texts in Messages, offering users a simplified overview of their conversations.

The upgrade involves a significant revamp of Siri’s underlying software using large language models. This improvement will allow Siri to command all features within apps for the first time, marking a significant step forward in AI control. As part of Apple’s strategy, basic AI tasks will be processed on devices, while advanced capabilities will be handled through cloud computing.

The updated Siri, expected to be included in a subsequent update to iOS 18 next year, will initially handle one command at a time. However, future plans involve allowing users to chain commands together, further enhancing the assistant’s capabilities and user experience.

This substantial AI update for Siri is yet another indicator of Apple’s commitment to AI and its potential applications. As we look forward to the introduction of these updates next year, it’s clear that the future of AI-controlled features is bright.