Is Siri’s brain getting smarter? Apple begins testing AI software to make Siri smarter on iPhone 16

Apple Inc. is expanding access to a new software update that integrates artificial intelligence into its virtual assistant Siri to automate a variety of tasks on the upcoming iPhone 16, which is set to be released on Friday.

The update was made available to users testing Apple’s software on Thursday and is expected to roll out to all iPhone users next month. Currently, only the two high-end iPhones released last year have the advanced processors needed to support the AI ​​features in the update, but that will change with the launch of four new iPhone 16 models.

Which models will get the update?

All iPhone 16 models, which range in price from $800 to $1,200, are designed to process the new AI technology, which is called “Apple Intelligence.” The branding is intended to differentiate Apple from rivals such as Samsung and Google, which introduced similar AI features in their smartphones earlier this year.

Apple is touting these AI features as a key selling point for the iPhone 16, and the early release of the beta could encourage consumers to buy the new models.

Initially, the AI ​​technology will only support American English, with plans to roll out localized English in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom by December. More language support and expansion to more countries are expected in 2024. The AI ​​software test was conducted after the release of iOS 18, Apple’s latest mobile operating system.

With the iOS 18.1 update, Siri is expected to become more conversational and visually dynamic, with spinning glowing lights on the screen as it responds to requests. While Apple promises improvements to Siri’s ability to perform tasks and reduce confusion, full integration with other apps won’t be available until a future update, with no confirmed release date yet.

AI features will also assist with writing and proofreading tasks, summarize emails and documents, and provide photo editing tools. However, some features, such as creating custom emojis or generating imaginative images, are not yet included in the initial update. Apple also plans to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT to increase functionality.

Thanks to advanced chips, Apple’s AI features will be compatible with last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The update will also introduce spatial video recording on these models, which can be viewed using Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro headphones.

However, many older iPhones still in use cannot use AI features, a limitation that investors expect could drive up demand for new models. The optimism has helped push Apple’s stock price up more than 15% since it unveiled its AI strategy in June, adding $500 billion to its market value. Analysts predict that this surge in demand could push Apple’s market value to more than $4 trillion next year.