In recent years, the rapid development of LLM (Large Language Model) technology has caused the popularity of Generative AI to soar continuously since the release of ChatGPT. Almost all tech giants are striving to secure their positions in the AI field. However, Apple, as a leader in technology, has remained largely silent.
Apple unveils AI version of Siri at WWDC 2024 Since ChatGPT entered people’s lives, many have started to abandon the former AI assistant Siri. Compared to ChatGPT, Siri is seen as merely a tool that follows simple commands. It lacks the emotionally resonant responses that ChatGPT provides, giving it a rigid feel.
However, clearly, Apple has not ignored LLM technology; they have been waiting for the right moment. They prefer not to integrate immature technology into their products, which is consistent with Apple’s approach. After several years of development, Apple deemed it time to incorporate LLM technology into their products. At the recent WWDC conference, Apple CEO Tim Cook showcased many impressive features of the AI-powered Siri.
What improvements does the new Siri bring?
The Siri based on LLM technology is like a cold shell infused with a soul. Let’s take a look at the improvements and exciting new features of the new Siri.
Siri can search for content on devices and take action based on context. For example, during the conference, Apple demonstrated that if you ask Siri when someone’s flight lands, the AI will deduce the answer from previous SMS conversations and emails.
Siri can also help you find a blog a colleague sent last week or a file emailed earlier.
With voice indexing, Siri can understand the context of your device’s content and personal data.
Furthermore, Siri will be able to precisely control your devices and apps.
For instance, saying “Show me photos of Stacey in New York wearing a pink coat” to Siri will prompt it to find them and even start editing them as instructed.
Alternatively, you can have Siri summarize a meeting and then send a text to colleagues.
Lastly, with screen awareness, Siri can keep track of what you’re doing on your device and take actions accordingly.
In addition to upgrading Siri’s AI capabilities, Apple also announced a collaboration with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into its operating system, allowing users free access to some features of GPT-4o and offering deeper personalized services for subscribers.
These features make Siri a true AI chatbot.
The new Siri makes us feel like the movie “Her” is becoming a reality.
After seeing the new Siri, one can’t help but think of the story from the movie “Her.” The similarities between the two are striking. “Her” tells the story of a lonely man in a future society who forms a deep emotional bond with an advanced operating system and AI system. The protagonist, a letter writer, gradually develops an intimate relationship with the highly intelligent and emotional operating system he purchases and activates. The story explores the complex intertwining of human emotions and technological progress, reflecting various issues of loneliness and human relationships in modern society. Similar to the AI in “Her,” the new Siri is integrated into the operating systems we use daily, especially as it gains interactive capabilities close to human language. We may find ourselves conversing with it, chatting, not just remembering to use it when we need to schedule something.
When can we expect the new Siri?
Unfortunately, we won’t see Apple Intelligence anytime soon. According to Bloomberg‘s latest report, Apple’s AI features will gradually roll out over the next few months and continue into 2025.
It’s reported that developers won’t be able to trial and experience Apple’s AI capabilities until the end of summer.
Therefore, in the first public beta of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 systems, which Apple is about to launch, this feature won’t be available.
During last week’s WWDC keynote address, Apple didn’t disclose specific upcoming features. However, they essentially outlined a roadmap for late 2024 and the first half of 2025.
Bloomberg suggests that it will take several years for Apple’s AI to fully roll out globally.