Apple Inc. is conducting tests of a separate app for its Siri voice assistant while also developing an "Ask Siri" feature that will operate across the company's software, according to people with knowledge of the plans. The work is part of a broader overhaul of Siri intended to modernize the assistant's appearance and interaction model.
Those people said the updated Siri will have a refreshed look and a chatbot-like user experience. The redesigned assistant is scheduled to be unveiled on June 8 at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference as a component of the forthcoming iOS 27 and macOS 27 operating systems, the sources said. The individuals spoke on the condition of anonymity because the plans remain private.
Apple's testing of a standalone Siri app suggests the company is exploring ways to make the assistant more prominent and accessible across devices. The separate app and the cross-application "Ask Siri" feature are described as elements of a wider artificial intelligence-focused update to the assistant's interface and functionality.
While the outline of the overhaul - a refreshed visual presentation and a chatbot-style interaction - has been reported by people familiar with the matter, details about the scope of features, exact behavior, or the final user experience have not been disclosed. The timeline cited points to an announcement at WWDC on June 8 that would align the changes with the next major releases of Apple's desktop and mobile operating systems.
Summary
- Apple is testing a standalone Siri app and an "Ask Siri" feature that would work across its software.
- The assistant will receive a new visual design and a chatbot-like experience, according to people familiar with the matter.
- The company expects to reveal the changes on June 8 at its Worldwide Developers Conference as part of iOS 27 and macOS 27.
Key points
- Product development: Apple is evaluating a separate Siri application and a cross-platform query feature aimed at modernizing the assistant's interface and interaction model.
- Software impact: Planned integration with iOS 27 and macOS 27 indicates the update targets both mobile and desktop software platforms.
- Market sectors affected: The changes primarily touch consumer technology and software ecosystems, where voice assistants and platform services play a role.
Risks and uncertainties
- Plans remain private: The people who described the changes requested anonymity, which indicates the work is still under development and subject to change before any public reveal - a risk for those tracking product timelines and expectations in consumer tech.
- Feature details not disclosed: The report outlines a refreshed design and chatbot-like interaction but does not provide specifics on functionality or limits, leaving uncertainty about the final user experience and technical capabilities - a consideration for software and platform stakeholders.