Apple reintroduces artificial intelligence with fresh product lineup and a miniature robot for tabletop use
Apple is gearing up for a significant return to the AI sector, as the tech giant plans to launch a more intelligent and human-like Siri, powered by advanced large language models. This upgrade, expected to arrive in 2026 after some delays, will enable Siri to engage in more natural, continuous conversations and complete complex tasks [1].
Alongside the software update, Apple is also developing AI hardware, including a tabletop robot that could mark a significant expansion into home robotics and smart devices [4][5]. This physical AI device, designed to serve as a central piece of Apple's AI strategy, is rumored to integrate deeply with Siri's advanced AI capabilities and function as a personal assistant with smart-home and possibly home security features [4][5].
The new Siri, known as LLM Siri, will be far more capable and conversational than the current iteration from 2012. It will be able to handle continuous dialogues and execute more complex commands [1]. Initially expected with iOS 18 in 2024, the feature has been delayed, with Apple stating that it won't be ready until 2026 [1].
One of the rumored devices is a tabletop robot that can rotate to face the speaker. This robot is expected to feature an entirely new version of Siri that can inject itself into conversations between multiple people [3].
In addition to the tabletop robot, Apple is also working on new home cameras and standalone smart displays, as part of their broader strategy to embed AI throughout connected devices for both security and convenience [5].
Apple is also expanding its U.S. manufacturing and server infrastructure to support heavy AI processing domestically by 2026, with newly built server facilities designed to power Apple Intelligence and Private Cloud Compute with strong security [2].
The success of these new products could help restore customer trust in Apple after recent issues. The upgrade to Siri has the potential to make Apple HomeKit a much stronger competitor to Amazon Alexa and Google Home [6].
However, Apple has faced criticism for delays and setbacks in improving Siri [6]. Despite these challenges, the company remains optimistic, with CEO Tim Cook expressing excitement about the company's product pipeline [7].
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is reportedly preparing to make a comeback in the AI world [8]. With the new Siri and tabletop robot, Apple aims to deliver a more intelligent and personalised user experience, setting the stage for a new level of innovation in the tech industry.
[1] https://www.macrumors.com/2023/03/31/apple-llm-siri-delayed-2026/ [2] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-01/apple-to-expand-u-s-server-farms-to-support-ai-processing [3] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-08/apple-is-developing-a-tabletop-robot-with-an-entirely-new-siri [4] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-15/apple-is-making-a-comeback-in-ai-with-new-hardware-and-software [5] https://www.macrumors.com/2023/03/16/apple-tabletop-robot-ai-hardware/ [6] https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-siri-is-stuck-in-the-past-and-needs-a-revamp/ [7] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-07/apple-ceo-tim-cook-excited-about-company-s-product-pipeline [8] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-08/apple-is-developing-a-tabletop-robot-with-an-entirely-new-siri
Artificial intelligence will power the upgraded Siri, which Apple is developing to engage in more natural, continuous conversations and complete complex tasks [1]. Moreover, Apple is also planning to release a tabletop robot, rumored to integrate deeply with Siri's advanced AI capabilities, as part of their AI hardware expansion [4].
