Apple is reportedly on the verge of announcing a comprehensive and transformative update to its Siri virtual assistant, with a major unveiling event scheduled for next month. According to industry insiders, the tech giant's ambitious overhaul will be powered by Google's highly-regarded Gemini artificial intelligence model, marking a significant strategic partnership in the competitive AI landscape.
A New Era for Siri
The enhanced Siri is expected to debut with the release of iOS 26.4, with beta testing for developers and early adopters slated to begin in late February. A full public rollout is anticipated to follow in March or April, bringing the advanced capabilities to a global user base. This update promises to elevate Siri's functionality to rival other leading AI chatbots, such as OpenAI's widely-used ChatGPT, offering more intuitive, conversational, and context-aware interactions.
Cross-Platform Availability
The upgraded assistant will be seamlessly integrated across Apple's ecosystem, becoming available on iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. This ensures a consistent and powerful AI experience regardless of the device, enhancing productivity and user engagement for millions of Apple customers worldwide.
Beyond Software: AI-Powered Hardware
In addition to the software advancements, rumours circulating within the tech community suggest Apple is actively developing new AI-centric hardware products. These innovations are said to include a smart speaker designed to leverage the new Siri's capabilities and a desktop robot, internally codenamed J595.
Descriptions of the J595 prototype indicate it resembles an iPad mini mounted on a sophisticated mechanical limb, potentially offering new forms of interactive assistance and home automation.
The Wearable AI Pin
Perhaps even more intriguing is the reported development of a screenless, wearable AI pin. This compact device, similar in size to an Apple AirTag, is said to incorporate cameras, microphones, and a physical button for activation. It represents a bold step into always-available, ambient computing, providing AI assistance without the need for a traditional screen interface.
This flurry of activity underscores Apple's intensified focus on artificial intelligence as a core component of its future product strategy, aiming to close the gap with competitors and redefine personal technology assistance.
