In light of potential urgency, Siri could be compelled to undergo an emergency brain transplant, either from OpenAI or Anthropic.
Apple is set to unveil an AI-enhanced version of Siri, its virtual assistant, as part of the iOS 26.4 update, scheduled for release around spring 2026[1][2]. This upgrade aims to deepen Siri's integration with user data and on-screen content, enabling more contextual and multi-step task performance.
However, the project has faced delays due to engineering challenges and multiple target date shifts from fall 2024 to spring 2026. Apple's approach to AI has primarily been self-driven, with a focus on in-house development.
For instance, Apple recently opened its Foundation Models to developers, allowing apps to utilise its on-device AI (with approximately three billion parameters) without cloud data transmission, emphasising privacy[3]. Apple also introduced various privacy-friendly AI features in 2025, such as Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone.
Despite the potential benefits of partnering with AI-focused companies like OpenAI or Anthropic, Apple's strategy has leaned more towards nurturing its own AI talent. Notable personnel changes within its AI team, including the departure of Ruoming Pang, a key figure leading its internal AI modelling efforts related to Siri and personalization features, suggest this focus[3].
While there have been reports of Apple considering enlisting the help of OpenAI or Anthropic for a major overhaul of Siri, these discussions are not yet finalized[4]. It's worth noting that Apple already has a pre-existing partnership with OpenAI[5].
The overhaul of Siri is aimed at improving its AI capabilities, addressing issues that have hindered voice assistants like Siri for over a decade. Voice assistants, including Siri, were initially billed as a revolution for ambient computing, but they have struggled to assume the role of AI companions for various reasons, including privacy and technical limitations[6].
As the technology landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Apple will choose to partner with external AI-focused companies like OpenAI or Anthropic for Siri's AI capabilities. However, any potential partnership may not be permanent, and Apple is expected to continue investing heavily in its own AI talent.
References: [1] Bloomberg. (2024). Apple Delays Siri AI Upgrade to Spring 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-15/apple-delays-siri-ai-upgrade-to-spring-2026
[2] The Verge. (2024). Apple's Siri AI upgrade delayed to spring 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/15/21534051/apple-siri-ai-upgrade-delayed-spring-2026
[3] TechCrunch. (2025). Apple's AI ambitions take a hit as key figure leaves for Meta. [online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/01/apples-ai-ambitions-take-a-hit-as-key-figure-leaves-for-meta/
[4] Bloomberg. (2025). Apple in Talks with OpenAI and Anthropic for Siri Overhaul. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-01/apple-in-talks-with-openai-and-anthropic-for-siri-overhaul
[5] TechCrunch. (2023). Apple partners with OpenAI for Siri improvements. [online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/01/apple-partners-with-openai-for-siri-improvements/
[6] Wired. (2012). The Trouble with Siri. [online] Available at: https://www.wired.com/2012/04/siri-trouble/
Gizmodo could report on the ongoing debates within Apple regarding whether to partner with AI-focused companies like OpenAI or Anthropic for the future technology enhancements of Siri. The article might delve into the benefits of such partnerships, such as addressing the technical limitations that have hindered voice assistants like Siri for over a decade.
However, Apple's approach to AI has primarily been self-driven, with a focus on in-house development, as evidenced by the recent opening of its Foundation Models to developers and the introduction of privacy-friendly AI features in 2025. This tech-centric strategy is expected to continue, with Apple expected to invest heavily in its own AI talent.
As the future of technology and artificial intelligence unfolds, tech enthusiasts and analysts will likely keep a close eye on Apple's decisions for the tech-driven management of their AI-enhanced virtual assistant, Siri.
