Apple is quietly developing a new version of Siri, powered by an experimental AI system named Veritas. The upcoming assistant is expected to launch in 2026 and could redefine how iPhone users interact with their devices.
A Major Shift for Siri
For over a decade, Siri has been criticized as outdated compared to rivals like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and now OpenAI’s ChatGPT. While Apple has regularly added new commands, the assistant has struggled with natural conversation, contextual memory, and advanced multitasking.
Now, insiders reveal that Apple is working on a complete overhaul. Instead of simply patching Siri, the company is building a new AI foundation designed to make it more proactive, conversational, and intelligent.
What Is Veritas? Apple’s Secret ChatGPT-Style Tool
According to Bloomberg reports, Apple engineers are currently using a ChatGPT-like internal app called Veritas. This tool acts as a sandbox for testing Siri’s next-generation abilities.
With Veritas, engineers can:
- Hold multi-turn conversations with memory of past interactions.
- Experiment with personal data integration, such as accessing emails, playlists, or reminders.
- Test in-app actions like editing photos or managing calendar events.
Although Veritas itself will not be released to the public, it serves as a proving ground for the new Siri experience.
Built on Linwood: Apple’s AI Framework
The backbone of this experiment is a system Apple calls Linwood. This framework combines:
- Apple’s own large language models (LLMs).
- Third-party AI technologies from potential partners such as OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google.
This hybrid approach is unusual for Apple, which historically prefers in-house solutions. But the scale of AI competition has forced the company to adapt its strategy and seek external collaborations.
Why Apple Delayed Siri’s Upgrade
Originally, Apple planned to introduce its new AI assistant with iOS 18 in 2025. However, internal tests revealed that the technology was not ready for a public release.
Instead, Apple pivoted to a second-generation AI model, delaying the rollout by about a year. Current expectations place the launch around early 2026 with iOS 26.4.
The delay reflects Apple’s challenge: balancing AI sophistication with its long-standing focus on privacy and user security. Unlike ChatGPT, Apple cannot afford to release a tool that mishandles sensitive user data.
Redesigning Siri’s Identity
Beyond the brains, Apple also plans a visual and experiential redesign of Siri in late 2025. Reports suggest that the assistant will have a more human-like interface, moving away from its iconic glowing orb to a design that feels more alive.
This would not only modernize Siri’s appearance but also help rebrand it as a serious competitor in the AI era.
The Competitive Landscape
Apple’s AI push comes at a time when the industry is heating up:
- Google is rapidly expanding Gemini, its multimodal AI assistant.
- OpenAI continues to dominate public attention with ChatGPT and its integrations into Microsoft products.
- Anthropic is positioning Claude as a safer, more ethical alternative to other AI systems.
Apple’s strength lies in its ecosystem integration. If successful, Siri powered by Veritas could manage everything from iMessage replies to Apple Music curation, offering an experience no standalone chatbot can match.
Privacy: Apple’s Biggest Selling Point
One of Apple’s main advantages will be its privacy-first approach. While ChatGPT and other tools rely heavily on cloud processing, Apple has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to on-device AI.
This could mean that many of Siri’s new features will work without sending sensitive data to the cloud, a move that could reassure users who are wary of AI surveillance.
Launch Timeline: When Will Users Get It?
Based on current reports:
- Late 2025: Visual redesign of Siri begins rolling out.
- Early 2026: The AI-powered Siri with Veritas integration is expected to launch with iOS 26.4.
- Gradual updates: Apple may release new features in stages, rather than all at once.
This means iPhone users will likely see a smarter, more proactive Siri within 18 months.
Why This Matters for iPhone Users
If Apple succeeds, the new Siri could finally deliver on promises made over a decade ago. Imagine an assistant that can:
- Remember your preferences and past conversations.
- Manage complex tasks across multiple apps.
- Proactively suggest actions, like reminding you to reply to an important email or recommending a playlist for your morning workout.
Such capabilities could make Siri not just a voice command tool, but a genuine digital companion.
Expert Opinion
Tech analyst Mark Hensley notes:
“Apple has lagged behind in AI, but if Veritas delivers, Siri could leapfrog competitors by integrating AI into daily iPhone use in ways that ChatGPT or Alexa cannot.”
He also warns that execution will be key:
“Users have lost patience with Siri’s limitations. Apple needs to prove this isn’t just marketing hype but a real leap in capability.”
Final Thoughts
Apple’s Veritas project represents more than just an upgrade—it signals a reboot of Siri’s entire identity. By combining advanced AI models, ecosystem integration, and a focus on privacy, Apple has a chance to redefine the future of voice assistants.
If successful, 2026 could be remembered as the year Siri finally became the intelligent, conversational partner Apple always promised it would be.
