Apple's Siri Set for Major Revamp with OpenAI and Anthropic Partnerships

In a significant move to enhance Siri, Apple is reportedly in discussions with OpenAI and Anthropic to integrate their advanced AI models into the virtual assistant. This strategic initiative could cost Apple billions of dollars annually, reflecting the company’s commitment to improving Siri's capabilities, particularly in contextual awareness and in-app functions where it has faced challenges in the past.

The revamped Siri is slated for a 2026 launch, marking Apple's first integration of external generative AI into a flagship product. Sources indicate that Anthropic’s technology is seen as the most compatible with Siri’s required enhancements, positioning Apple to better compete against rivals like Google and Microsoft, who have made notable strides in AI.

Currently, Apple has incorporated basic on-device AI functions within iOS 18, but the upcoming integration represents a broader strategy to utilize sophisticated third-party large language models (LLMs) while ensuring user data privacy within its ecosystem. The financial ramifications of this partnership are significant, particularly in light of ongoing antitrust scrutiny that could impact Apple’s existing $20 billion annual contract with Google. By revamping Siri, Apple aims to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

In addition to these partnerships, Apple is exploring the acquisition of Perplexity AI, another promising AI startup, further signaling its intent to bolster its artificial intelligence capabilities. This strategic pivot is seen as crucial for Apple's continued relevance and future growth in the increasingly competitive AI domain, particularly as consumer expectations and technological advancements evolve rapidly.