Apple reveals long-delayed Siri AI makeover at Worldwide Developers Conference

Apple unveiled a major AI-powered overhaul of its laggard Siri voice assistant on Monday following two years of delays that had fueled anxiety on Wall Street.The upgraded “Siri AI,” powered by an AI model that Apple developed in partnership with Google, was the centerpiece of Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in Cupertino, Calif.on Monday.Executives said the voice assistant will be far more capable and conversational than the most recent version, which rolled out in 2011 and has received few upgrades since.The company claims Siri AI has “broad world knowledge” and received a major boost in accuracy to its voice-to-text function, making it easier to dictate text messages and emails.

It’s also capable of understanding photos and providing real-time responses based on them, in addition to its various “virtual assistant” features.Apple software chief Craig Federighi described the changes as a “big leap forward for Apple Intelligence” — the company’s name for its AI tools — and took a direct shot at other tech sector rivals who have rushed out AI features ahead of the company.“Some appear to be racing forward, seemingly pursuing AI for the sake of AI, without clear regard to the people, all of us, that it’s ultimately meant to serve,” Federighi said.Shares were flat in midday trading Monday.Apple’s stock has proven resilient this year, rising 16% since Jan.

1 despite lingering questions about the company’s AI strategy and concerns that it’s failing behind other Big Tech rivals.The AI rollout is considered a major test for incoming CEO John Ternus, who is slated to take the reins from Tim Cook on Sept.1, with the long-delayed Siri upgrade serving as his most immediate challenge as the company’s new boss.“For John Ternus, this provides both a platform and a challenge,” said tech industry analyst Paolo Pescatore.

“The Ternus era starts with Apple needing to show that its unique blend of hardware, software, silicon and se...