Revamped AI assistant could debut in early 2026
A forthcoming Siri will be better able to leverage built-in services to assist user queries.
Apple has formed a new Answers, Knowledge and Information team of engineers to develop in-house AI services, including a new Siri search experience similar to ChatGPT.
In addition to existing Apple staff, the company is now actively recruiting for engineers with search algorithm and engine development, according to Bloomberg.
While the structure of the Answers, Knowledge and Information (AKI) team is new, the goal of a revamped Siri has been ongoing: a long-awaited updated version with more contextual understanding, based on a new large language model (LLM) engine.
This has included speculation that it could be in talks with Anthropic or OpenAI. These technologies would presumably be used to bolster the back-end engine of an AI-powered Siri.
The goal is to dissuade users from leveraging rival services, ranging from ChatGPT to traditional text-based search engines like Google. The Siri team has also been previously reported to be considering several options for quickly revamping its search engine.
Earlier reports have intimated that this revamped Siri experience could debut in the first half of 2026. This makeover would also incorporate the previously-planned “app intent” technology, which integrates an app’s content and actions into Siri, Spotlight, and other built-in technology.
Apple adding more AI services, engineers
It has been previously suggested that — in addition to an improved Siri — Apple could develop a separate app or service called “Knowledge.” This proposed app is said to work more like chatbots such as ChatGPT, and function as an always-on service that is activated through routine conversation.
The AKI group is led by senior AI director Robby Walker, reporting to John Giannandrea. Siri development is now headed by Mike Rockwell, Apple’s chief of Vision Pro development, so that Giannandrea can focus solely on completing the AI engine before an expected retirement.
This reshuffling of management of the AI division has resulted in some rearrangement and new hires of talent within the division. Apple has dramatically increased spending and recruiting of more talent in an effort to accelerate its AI development goals.
Apple’s AI team has been advertising for still more members, saying in ads that its work “fuels intuitive information experiences across some of Apple’s most iconic products — including Siri, Spotlight, Safari, Messages, Lookup, and more.”
