Apple iOS 19: A Major Siri Upgrade and the Future of Apple's In-House AI Model

Apple iOS 19: A Major Siri Upgrade and the Future of Apple's In-House AI ModelWith the upcoming release of the iPhone 17 series, rumors surrounding the next generation iOS operating system, iOS 19, are swirling. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman predicts a significant Siri upgrade at Apple's WWDC in June 2025, enabling it to handle complex queries and requests like ChatGPT

Apple iOS 19: A Major Siri Upgrade and the Future of Apple's In-House AI Model

With the upcoming release of the iPhone 17 series, rumors surrounding the next generation iOS operating system, iOS 19, are swirling. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman predicts a significant Siri upgrade at Apple's WWDC in June 2025, enabling it to handle complex queries and requests like ChatGPT. This upgrade is reportedly centered around Apple adopting its own in-house AI large language model (LLM). Currently, Apple Intelligence relies on third-party LLMsChatGPT internationally, while the domestic Chinese version faces competition from companies like Baidu, ByteDance, and Tencent. The successful launch of Apple Intelligence in China remains uncertain. (Image from Apple)

External reviews of Apple Intelligence, based on ChatGPT, are generally unimpressive, citing a subpar user experience and responses that often fail to meet user needs. SellCell data reveals that nearly half of iPhone buyers consider AI capabilities, yet 73% find the actual AI functionality minimally impactful. Will replacing ChatGPT and other third-party LLMs with an Apple-developed "Apple-branded AI" reverse Apple Intelligence's current state and reputation?

The Arrival of "Apple-Branded AI": iOS 19's Focus and Challenges

Since the launch of Apple Intelligence, major iOS upgrades have largely revolved around it. On June 30, 2024, less than 20 days after the release of iOS 18, Mark Gurman leaked information about iOS 19, codenamed "Luck." Subsequent news about iOS 19 was scarce until recently, when Cultofmac and Mark Gurman reported that iOS 19 will include a major Siri upgrade based on a large language model, allowing for multi-turn natural language conversations and functionalities closer to ChatGPT, capable of handling more complex user requests.

Currently, Apple Intelligence leverages ChatGPT for some complex tasks. When Siri encounters a query beyond its capabilities, it forwards the prompt to ChatGPT for processing and returns the answer and suggestions. ChatGPTs generative capabilities have improved Apple's writing tools, visual analysis, personalized expression, and office productivity.

However, Apple Intelligence's large language model capabilities aren't solely reliant on third-party models. Apple also integrates an approximately 300-million-parameter on-device model (AFM-on-device) and a server-side model (AFM-server), primarily for adapting to user habits and optimizing overall system efficiency. This suggests a strategy to integrate Apple's own "Apple-branded" AI LLM into Siri, replacing ChatGPT and other third-party models, reflecting Apple's aim to avoid dependence on external technologies for core functionalities.

Encouragingly, iPhoneSoft reports that device compatibility information for Apple's next operating system has leaked, indicating that all iPhones currently supporting iOS 18 will be upgradeable to iOS 19, including the iPhone XS and XR. If true, older iPhone users will have an extra year of support. (Image from Apple)

However, my outlook on iOS 19 is less optimistic. Support for older devices likely involves a watered-down version, meaning older iPhones won't experience the full functionality of iOS 19, potentially with reduced animation rendering quality. Furthermore, Mark Gurman notes that Apple's phased rollout of iOS 18 delayed iOS 19 development. The inclusion of AI features led Apple to adopt a phased update strategy this year, expanding iOS 18's functionality through minor updates. This fragmented approach slowed iOS 19's development, delaying features originally planned for iOS 18 until iOS 19. Apple Intelligence is a prime example. Apple mentioned at WWDC24 that Apple Intelligence has strict hardware requirements, needing at least 8GB of RAM, let alone the challenges of launching in the Chinese market. While Apple initially emphasized hardware requirements for features like "Stage Manager," it later lowered the bar to accommodate more older models. To accelerate Apple Intelligences adoption, Apple might allow older iPhones that don't meet the hardware requirements to access some features.

"Dumb" Siri: Can a Self-Developed Large Language Model Save It?

Siri's origins trace back to Cognitive Assistant that Learns and Organizes, one of the largest AI projects in US history, initially a text-based chat service. A partnership with speech recognition company Nuance provided Siri with speech recognition capabilities. In April 2010, Apple acquired Siri for an estimated $150-$250 million and integrated it into the iPhone 4S in October 2011.

In the early days of AI, a voice assistant deeply integrated with a phone could convert speech to text and execute commands. However, these early assistants could only handle simple, mechanical commands, often resorting to web searches for anything beyond their capabilities, earning the moniker "dumb" from users due to issues like failing to hear wake-up commands and delivering nonsensical responses.

In the era of large language models, criticisms of Siri persist. Apple Intelligence's functionality is insufficient for significant everyday improvements, and users widely criticize the quality of its generated summaries due to factual inaccuracies. Numerous users have voiced their dissatisfaction on social media, highlighting a far inferior experience compared to Google Gemini, even prompting some to consider switching from iPhones.

This criticism is valid, reflecting Apple Intelligence's shortcomings. Its large language model generation relies heavily on integrated ChatGPT, representing a breakthrough but an "external" model not deeply integrated with iPhone, iPad, or Mac hardware, essentially equivalent to installing an AI app.

Considering regulatory hurdles and Chinese language support, Apple Intelligence's entry into the Chinese market necessitates collaboration with local AI LLM providers. While rumors previously suggested collaboration with Baidu, recent reports indicate discussions with Tencent and ByteDance, with the final partner yet to be determined. Apple Intelligence faces significant challenges entering the Chinese market.

For Apple, both domestic and international third-party LLMs are likely transitional solutions. However, whether Apple's in-house AI LLM can surpass third-party models, seamlessly integrate into Apple's hardware and software ecosystem, and even alter user habits remains uncertain.

AIOS as the Trend: Can Apple Maintain Its Lead?

The core of AI LLM technology lies in the model itself. Poor performance or errors directly impact the user experience of devices incorporating it. The iPhone is the perfect example. Apple Intelligence is both Apple's biggest and most awkward recent upgrade. Even with successful entry into the Chinese market, it won't be the key to revitalizing iPhone innovation; large subsidies would be far more effective.

Apple's next step might involve replacing ChatGPT and similar third-party models with its self-developed AI LLM, theoretically reducing Siri's "outsourced tasks" and enabling better integration of generative services into the system, fostering deeper hardware-software synergy. However, I don't anticipate a transformative change for Siri, as it's an AI-based improvement on the existing system architecture, not a native AIOS. It will, at most, handle relatively complex instructions and exhibit basic generative LLM characteristics.

Domestic Chinese AI phone manufacturers are ahead, rebuilding AI systems from the ground up around core system layers to enable more complex operations like large-scale parallel computing. For instance, the YOYO automation showcased during the Honor Magic 7 series launch could order 2,000 cups of coffee at once, automatically completing pre-payment confirmation actions based solely on user instructions. This capability is beyond traditional system architectures, enabling "self-driving" phones that fundamentally change user habits.

Apple hasn't yet perfected the fundamental generative model integration and hardware-software synergy experience. Some new iOS features have appeared after their Android counterparts, signaling a shift from leadership to followership. While Apple can still dominate the market with the iPhone and brand power, future smartphone competition will revolve around "automated systems." Apple's ability to keep pace with domestic Chinese manufacturers hinges on its AI advancements. Regardless, enabling Chinese users to access Apple Intelligence is paramount.

January 7, 2025, marks the opening of CES 2025, and the Lei Technology reporting team will be in Las Vegas for on-site coverage.