Even if Apple executives have brushed off the idea of a Siri chatbot in the past, a new rumor suggests that is exactly Apple's plan with the new Gemini-trained assistant.
Shortly after reports that Apple was training two AI chatbots internally, a new report surfaced suggesting Siri itself would become a chatbot in the fall. This directly contradicts what Apple SVP of marketing Greg Joswiak said previously of the assistant.
According to the alleged leaks from Bloomberg, Apple will develop Siri into a full chatbot interface to compete with ChatGPT. It will be revealed during WWDC 2026 and launch as a feature in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27.
While Apple is testing this chatbot via a separate Siri app internally, codenamed Campos, it is not going to release it as an app to customers. As Joz said previously, what makes something a chatbot is a standalone app experience, which Siri is not.
Instead, users will continue to summon and interact with Siri the same way they always do. This feature set is allegedly Apple's main focus for the fall software releases, so users should expect little else otherwise.
Maybe not a chatbot
The implication of it being a "chatbot" is expanded functionality and maintained memory between conversations. Apple not providing users a central location to interface with Siri beyond summoning it means it isn't quite the full chatbot experience, regardless of what this report says.
At least, that's what Joz said previously:
"Again, it's important to realize our strategy is a little bit different than some other people, right? Our idea of Apple intelligence is using generative AI to be an enabling technology for features across our operating system — so much so that sometimes you're doing things you don't even realize that you're using Apple intelligence, or, you know, AI, to do them, and that's our goal.
Integrate it. There's no destination, there's no app called Apple Intelligence, which is different than a chat bot, which, again, what I think some people have kind of conflated a bit, like, 'Where's your chat bot?' We didn't do that.
What we decided was that we would give you access to one through ChatGPT, because, you know, we think that was the best one, but our idea is to integrate across the operating system, make it features that, you know, I certainly use every day."
This memory ability layered on top of the app intent system, which draws a map to every function and datapoint on your iPhone for AI to follow, will surely be useful. Pair that with Apple Foundation Models powering the entire experience, which will have been upgraded thanks to training with Gemini, and users are sure to get a unique experience only Apple can deliver.
The combination of strengths from a powerful AI backend, on-device tools, app intents, and memory of previous interactions will make the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro stand out as AI-first tools with private, local, secure, and safe access to LLMs.
Even when things need to go to Apple's Private Cloud Compute servers, they'll go there with users knowing that their data will be treated as it would be on device. Plus, it's all run on renewable energy, so there's less concern with how it is affecting the planet per query.
Apple delayed the original app intent-powered Apple Intelligence into 2026, which caused a lot of speculation around Apple's internal leadership around AI. While the delay was necessary, and ultimately led to the Google Gemini partnership, Apple still seems set to provide a unique experience not offered by any other brand, including what's available on Google Pixel.
Interacting with Siri won't change even as it gains new AI powers
However, the pressure is on, as Apple has yet to launch the new Apple Intelligence, due in iOS 26.4, and WWDC is a while away. Google, OpenAI, or anyone could once again leapfrog Apple in the meantime if the right product is revealed.
That said, the AI industry has been in a bit of a scramble in recent months. Ads are pouring into chatbots, the general public tires of what they call "slop," and the markets could soon see an inevitable crash as the AI bubble pops.
Apple's delay and subsequent releases could have arrived at the accidental perfect time. Just as everything else is swept under the rug, Apple could emerge with an AI that gets out of your way, shows up when requested, and provides functions without needing to spy on users.
It seems 2026 could be a very interesting year for Apple.
