Apple is working on a groundbreaking update for Siri, aiming to launch a vastly improved version of its voice assistant as early as March 2026. To prepare for this major overhaul, the tech giant has reportedly developed a ChatGPT-like app that allows internal teams to test and refine the next-generation Siri capabilities. However, the project has experienced multiple delays due to engineering challenges, pushing the initial development timeline back.
Apple’s AI Ambitions: Competing with ChatGPT and Google Assistant
As the artificial intelligence race intensifies, Apple is striving to catch up with competitors like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. The new Siri is expected to incorporate advanced natural language processing (NLP) and generative AI features similar to those found in ChatGPT, offering users a more intelligent, conversational, and context-aware assistant.
Unlike the current Siri, which often provides limited and sometimes frustrating responses, the 2026 update promises deeper integration with iOS, allowing Siri to complete complex tasks, understand multi-step commands, and adapt to users’ individual habits and preferences.
Internal ChatGPT-Like App for Testing
To support the development of the new Siri, Apple engineers have been testing a proprietary ChatGPT-like app internally. This tool enables teams to simulate real-world interactions, evaluate AI responses, and fine-tune the assistant’s performance across different scenarios. The internal app reportedly uses Apple’s own large language model (LLM), part of the company’s broader AI framework known as “Ajax.”
Apple’s cautious approach contrasts with the rapid, open releases by OpenAI and Google. Instead of rushing the product to market, Apple has prioritized user privacy, data security, and ecosystem integration—key pillars of the company’s brand identity.
Engineering Delays Push Launch Timeline
Despite strong internal momentum, the 2026 Siri update has faced several engineering challenges that have delayed its release. Among the main hurdles are ensuring on-device processing, maintaining Apple’s high privacy standards, and achieving seamless integration across iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple products.
Sources familiar with the matter say the updated Siri is now tentatively set to launch in March 2026, though that date could still shift depending on progress. Apple is known for delaying features that do not meet its strict performance and quality standards.
Siri’s Future Role in iOS and Apple Ecosystem
The enhanced Siri is expected to play a major role in future versions of iOS, starting with iOS 18 and beyond. It will not only offer smarter answers but will also serve as the gateway to Apple’s growing suite of AI-powered features, including proactive assistance, AI-generated content, and smarter app automation.
Apple’s move to build a ChatGPT-like testing tool marks a significant shift in its AI development strategy—one that places more emphasis on conversational intelligence, real-time learning, and AI-enhanced productivity.
Conclusion
With the 2026 Siri update, Apple aims to redefine what a virtual assistant can do. By investing in advanced AI tools and tackling engineering challenges head-on, Apple is preparing to offer users a smarter, more intuitive Siri that competes with the best AI assistants on the market. While delays have slowed progress, the future of Siri looks more promising than ever.
