According to recent speculations, Apple might introduce a next-generation Siri assistant at WWDC 2024, with on-device AI potentially being the standout feature of the iPhone 16.
As per the renowned leaker Revegnus on X (formerly Twitter), Apple is reportedly leveraging LLM (large language model) to completely overhaul Siri into the ultimate virtual assistant, with the first iteration expected to debut at WWDC 2024.
Rumors suggest that Apple is aiming to transform Siri into its most powerful AI software yet, with plans to integrate it into future iPhone 16 models and beyond. This could potentially mean that older iPhone versions may not support all of Siri’s advanced features due to potential hardware requirements.
Key features, akin to those in the A17 Pro, capable of handling AI tasks, are already present in current smartphones like the iPhone 15 Pro. Apple has indicated that the forthcoming Journal software, set to be accessible on iOS 17, will utilize on-device machine learning to provide personalized recommendations for journal entries.
Recent reports hint at Apple’s intentions to give Siri a comprehensive overhaul with enhanced capabilities. Samsung’s latest insights on Galaxy AI, projecting on-device AI as a significant laptop contender in 2024, further reinforce this notion.
Samsung is set to introduce a new AI Live Translate Call feature, offering users of the latest Samsung AI-enabled phones access to a personal translator on demand. This feature, powered by the on-device LLM named Gauss, will provide real-time audio and text translations seamlessly integrated into the phone’s native call function.
This development mirrors iOS 17’s Life Voicemail feature to some extent, but Samsung’s emphasis on on-device AI underscores a commitment to privacy by ensuring that sensitive conversations remain on the device. This aligns well with Apple’s strong privacy stance, as indicated by these emerging rumors.
The Impending Smartphone Battle
The potential launch of Apple’s revamped voice assistant at WWDC 2024 seems plausible, especially in light of Samsung’s recent unveiling of the Gauss LLM. While the rumors surrounding Apple’s redesign of Siri with on-device AI are still nascent, they hold significant promise.
With technological advancements in smartphones reaching a plateau and impacting sales, both Apple and Samsung are vying for market dominance. While cameras were once the focal point, the saturation of camera phone innovations has paved the way for on-device AI to emerge as the next enticing feature to drive consumer upgrades.
Samsung asserts that on-device AI offers a distinct privacy advantage over cloud-based alternatives like ChatGPT, ensuring that data remains within the device. This safeguarding of sensitive data allows for leveraging the capabilities of large language models, such as rapid data summarization, natural language understanding, and prompt-based data generation.
The implications of these advancements on smartphone functionalities in 2024 are vast. Enhancing Siri’s utility, reliability, and voice assistant capabilities through these innovations would mark a significant step forward.
