Apple's forthcoming Siri upgrade, featuring an advanced App Intents system, could redefine iPhone usability by enabling precise voice control over apps, Bloomberg reports. Set for release in spring 2026, this feature will allow users to perform tasks like editing photos or shopping online hands-free, marking a significant step toward Apple's vision of a voice-first ecosystem.
Bloomberg reveals that Apple is poised to redefine iPhone interaction with a powerful upgrade to Siri's App Intents, slated for release in spring 2026 alongside a comprehensive Siri revamp. This advancement will enable users to navigate apps entirely through voice commands, executing tasks like photo editing, social media engagement, or online shopping without touching the screen. Currently in testing with apps like Uber, YouTube, and Apple's own software, the feature aims to deliver precise, hands-free control – a vision Siri has promised since its inception. However, Bloomberg indicates that Apple may restrict Siri's functionality in sensitive areas like banking to ensure flawless performance.
The postponement of Siri's next-generation features, highlighted at the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference, triggered significant internal changes at Apple, including leadership shifts, and exposed its AI shortcomings, according to Bloomberg. While the delayed personal context feature – enabling Siri to access texts or photos for tailored responses – garnered attention, the App Intents upgrade is the real breakthrough. It positions Siri as a seamless app controller, laying the foundation for Apple's voice-first ecosystem, including a smart display in 2026 and a future tabletop robot.
To perfect this feature, Apple's global data operations team is conducting extensive testing to ensure compatibility and accuracy across numerous apps, Bloomberg reports. Engineers are particularly cautious about its reliability in critical domains like health or finance, where mistakes could have serious consequences, potentially leading to limited or excluded functionality in these areas initially.
On another front, Bloomberg details Apple's strategic response to political pressures. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook recently announced that all iPhone and Apple Watch cover glass will be made in the US through a $2.5 billion partnership with Corning. This shift, while symbolically significant, is minor compared to Apple's broader $600 billion US investment plan, as most glass processing occurs abroad. During a meeting with President Donald Trump, Cook presented a gold bar, aligning with Apple's exemption from new chip tariffs, though no explicit connection was confirmed.
Apple is also nearing completion of iOS 26, set to debut with the iPhone 17 in September, per Bloomberg. The latest beta offers improved performance, enhanced battery life, and subtle enhancements like a lively unlock animation and an updated Dynamic Island for battery alerts. Yet, the Dynamic Island's lack of significant updates since its introduction three years ago underscores Apple's tendency to sidelined promised innovations.
Bloomberg highlights ongoing challenges in Apple's AI division, with engineer Yun Zhu joining Meta's Superintelligence Labs, marking the fifth departure from the AI models team. These exits, amid high compensation offers from Meta and internal frustrations, suggest Apple's struggle to maintain its AI talent pool.
