Apple's Siri Revamp: From Voice Assistant to AI Chatbot in iOS 27 and macOS 27

Apple Inc. is planning a comprehensive overhaul of Siri for release this fall in iOS 27 and macOS 27, transforming the digital assistant from a voice-command interface into the company's first full-fledged AI chatbot, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move represents Apple's most aggressive response yet to the conversational AI wave led by competitors like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini.

The redesign will replace Siri's current interface—which primarily responds to voice commands with brief, task-oriented answers—with a text-based conversational system that can handle complex, multi-turn dialogues. Sources indicate the new Siri will retain voice interaction capabilities but will prioritize a chatbot-style interface where users can type or speak natural language queries and receive detailed, context-aware responses. This shift aligns with how consumers increasingly interact with AI assistants, moving from simple commands to extended conversations.

The timing is critical. Apple has faced mounting pressure as competitors have rapidly advanced their AI capabilities. Google's Assistant has integrated its Gemini model for more sophisticated responses, while Amazon's Alexa is undergoing its own AI transformation. Microsoft has embedded Copilot across its ecosystem, and Samsung's Galaxy AI features have gained traction. For Apple, which has marketed privacy and on-device processing as core advantages, the Siri revamp represents a necessary evolution to remain competitive in the AI assistant space.

Financially, the stakes are significant. Apple's services segment, which includes Siri-integrated features, generated $23.8 billion in revenue during Q4 2025 alone. While Siri itself isn't a direct revenue driver, it serves as a critical gateway to Apple's ecosystem, driving engagement with Apple Music, Maps, and third-party apps. An improved Siri could boost user retention and increase time spent across Apple devices, indirectly supporting services growth. Analysts estimate that AI-enhanced user experiences could contribute an additional $5-10 billion in services revenue by 2027 through increased engagement and premium service adoption.

The technical architecture likely involves a hybrid approach. Apple has been developing its own large language models, including the rumored "Apple Intelligence" framework, which would run partially on-device for privacy and partially in the cloud for more complex queries. This aligns with Apple's long-standing emphasis on privacy, though the company will need to balance performance with its on-device processing commitments. The new Siri may leverage Apple's Neural Engine in recent chips (A17 Pro and M-series) for local processing while using secure cloud processing for more demanding tasks.

For developers, the Siri revamp could open new opportunities. A conversational Siri with better natural language understanding could enable more sophisticated app integrations, potentially creating new revenue streams for developers who build Siri-compatible features. However, it also raises questions about app discoverability and whether Apple might favor its own services in Siri responses, potentially triggering antitrust scrutiny in regions where Apple faces regulatory pressure.

The market implications extend beyond Apple. A successful Siri transformation could accelerate the shift toward conversational interfaces across the tech industry, potentially reducing the dominance of app-based navigation. For enterprise users, a more capable Siri could enhance productivity on Macs and iPads, particularly for tasks like scheduling, research, and document management. For consumers, it could make Apple's ecosystem more intuitive, potentially reducing the learning curve for new users.

The revamp also carries risks. Apple has historically been cautious with AI releases, prioritizing reliability over novelty. A poorly executed transition could alienate users accustomed to Siri's current behavior. Additionally, the company must navigate complex regulatory landscapes, particularly in the EU, where the Digital Markets Act could impact how Siri integrates with third-party services.

Apple's move comes as the company reportedly explores other AI hardware, including an AirTag-sized AI wearable pin with cameras and microphones, suggesting a broader AI ecosystem strategy. The Siri transformation is likely the centerpiece of this strategy, positioning AI as a core differentiator across Apple's product lineup.

The success of the new Siri will be measured not just by user adoption but by its ability to drive meaningful engagement. Industry analysts will watch closely for metrics like query complexity, session duration, and integration with third-party services. If successful, the revamp could solidify Apple's position in the AI race; if it falters, the company may face increased pressure to make more aggressive AI acquisitions or partnerships.

The fall release timeline gives Apple several months to refine the system, but the company faces a challenging balance: delivering a transformative AI experience while maintaining the reliability and privacy standards that define its brand. The Siri revamp represents Apple's most significant AI bet since the original assistant's introduction in 2011, and its outcome will shape the company's trajectory in the AI era.