The Future of Siri: What to Expect from Apple's AI-Powered Assistant
As Apple gears up for the iPhone 16 launch, all eyes are on Siri 2.0, the AI-driven voice assistant that promises to revolutionize how we interact with our devices. But there’s a catch—you’ll need to wait until 2025 to experience its full capabilities.
By Emily Wong
With the iPhone 16 reveal at Apple’s “Glowtime” event on September 9, the focus is shifting from hardware upgrades to the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence integration. While the iPhone 16 will launch with iOS 18, users will have to wait for iOS 18.1 to get their first taste of Apple Intelligence, including the initial version of Siri 2.0.
Siri 2.0: A Glimpse into the Future
Apple Intelligence is expected to bring a suite of AI features like proofreading, summarizing, and phone call recording, all set to debut with iOS 18.1 later this year. However, the most exciting feature—Siri 2.0—won’t be available until 2025. This new version of Siri will undergo beta testing in early 2024 and is expected to launch publicly around spring as part of the iOS 18.4 update.
In iOS 18.1, Siri will receive a visual overhaul, featuring a sleek design that pulsates on the edges of your iPhone as you speak. You’ll also be able to use ‘Type to Siri’ by double-tapping the bottom of your device. While these updates are promising, they’re just a precursor to the more advanced Siri 2.0, which will offer deeper integration with Apple Intelligence.
Why the Wait Will Be Worth It
At WWDC 2024, Apple showcased Siri’s future capabilities, including the ability to pull contextual information from your device and make intelligent decisions. Imagine Siri rescheduling your meetings based on a poster for your daughter’s theater performance, all while creating new calendar events and notifying the relevant contacts. This level of AI integration will make Siri not just a voice assistant but a true personal assistant.
However, until Siri 2.0 launches, Apple will need to manage expectations. The Siri included in iOS 18.1, despite its design upgrades, won’t be the groundbreaking AI assistant that users are eagerly anticipating. Apple will have to clearly communicate this to avoid disappointment when users first experience Apple Intelligence on their iPhones.
In the end, the wait for Siri 2.0 will be worth it, as it promises to be a cornerstone of Apple Intelligence, setting the stage for a smarter, more intuitive iPhone experience.