Siri, Apple's voice assistant, was once a pioneer in the world of virtual voice assistants. But in recent years it has often been criticized as the "dumbest" of the major virtual assistants. Now, with the rumored LLM Siri (Large Language Model Siri), big changes are coming. Below you'll find out everything about the planned innovations, the challenges in the area of data protection and why the wait for this new era could be worth it.
Since the introduction of Siri in 2011, Apple has gradually developed its voice assistant. But compared to competitors like Alexa or Google Assistant, Siri often seemed clumsy. Phrases like "I found this on the Internet" quickly became a symbol of its limited capabilities. Apple promises a new era for Siri with iOS 18, but the real milestone will probably only be reached with iOS 19 and the introduction of the LLM Siri. While these new features could represent a big step forward, full implementation is not expected until spring 2026, according to Bloomberg.
The Vision of the LLM Siri
Apple is currently working on a revolutionary version of Siri based on LLM technology. This technology uses AI models that can understand and process natural language similar to ChatGPT or Claude. The goal is to make Siri more intelligent, context-aware and versatile. This would enable Siri to:
- Answering complex questions
- Switch seamlessly between apps and tasks
- Better adapt to personal preferences and contexts
The challenges of data protection
One of the biggest hurdles in developing the LLM Siri is Apple's commitment to data protection. Unlike Google, which uses extensive data from various sources, Apple wants to process as much data as possible directly on your devices. This means:
- No comprehensive cloud usage: Your data remains mostly local
- Privacy-friendly cloud processing: If cloud features are necessary, Apple minimizes access to personal information
- Conscious use of third-party data: Siri will only access apps that you explicitly give permission to
This approach protects your privacy, but also requires more development time because AI models are less flexible in a privacy-focused environment.
Siri's progress and reality
With iOS 18, Apple has taken the first steps towards a more "intelligent" Siri. Improvements in speech understanding, a new design and the ability to control Siri by tapping are promising. But the "big update" that Apple promises for the future is still a long way off. According to Bloomberg The new features of LLM Siri are not expected to be available on our devices until 2026 – a long wait that frustrates many users. Nevertheless, this patience could be rewarded.
Why it's worth the wait
The combination of powerful AI and strict privacy protections makes Siri unique. Once launched, the LLM Siri could:
- Process more personal data without compromising it by using information from apps such as calendar, contacts, mail and messages locally
- Interact seamlessly with third-party apps without compromising your privacy
- Become a human assistant who understands your needs without relying on central databases
The long-term goal is to create an assistant that is intelligent, helpful and at the same time completely trustworthy – a concept that Apple consistently pursues.
An AI future that is worth it
The development of the LLM Siri shows that Apple is not only interested in technological progress but also takes the privacy of its users seriously. Yes, the wait is frustrating but it is a compromise that could pay off in the long run. If Siri really does reach its full potential in 2026, it could become a pioneer for privacy-friendly AI assistants. For you, that means: An AI that helps you organize your life without revealing your personal data. The LLM Siri could be the perfect companion for the future - powerful, secure and trustworthy. Until then, all we can do is look forward to a new era of voice assistance. Stay patient - the future is bright! Looking for the best accessories? Visit our Amazon Storefront and discover a variety of products from top providers, including for HomeKit! (Image: Apple)
