Apple is set to introduce a major update to Siri that will empower users to control specific iPhone app features using voice commands. This enhanced functionality is expected to debut next year as part of the iOS 18 update, according to a Bloomberg report.
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Initially, the upgraded Siri will be limited to controlling features within Apple’s own apps. However, the company has ambitious plans to expand Siri’s capabilities, with the goal of supporting hundreds of commands within its various applications.
While Siri in iOS 18 will initially handle only one command at a time, Apple intends to eventually enable Siri to process multiple tasks in a single request. This would allow users to, for example, ask Siri to summarize a recorded meeting and then send it to a specific contact.
This concept echoes Samsung‘s promises when it launched Bixby in 2017, emphasizing the ability to perform actions through voice that were previously only possible through touch within Samsung’s apps. The exact mechanics of this technology remain unclear, but Microsoft recently showcased a similar capability with its GPT-4o-powered Copilot assistant, demonstrating how it could analyze on-screen activity to offer guidance in scenarios like playing Minecraft.
To enhance performance and privacy, Apple is reportedly prioritizing on-device processing for many AI requests in iOS 18. Simpler commands will be handled directly on the iPhone, while more complex tasks will be fetched from the cloud. There are rumors of a potential collaboration with OpenAI, and Apple is expected to highlight the security of its cloud processing by leveraging M2 Ultra chips with its Secure Enclave technology. This would assure users that their data remains secure whether it’s processed locally or remotely.
These developments align with recent reports suggesting a major overhaul of Siri is underway. Research papers indicate that Apple is actively working on improving Siri’s capabilities, while findings from AppleInsider hint at the potential for text analysis and summarization within Messages. Additionally, there are reports of Apple planning to integrate AI transcription into Voice Memos and Notes.
