Apple revamps Siri as it tries to catch up in the AI race

This is read by an automated voice.Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.

Apple on Monday unveiled a new version of its virtual assistant Siri, to take on its artificial intelligence-powered rivals such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.The California smartphone maker has lagged behind its competitors in the AI race as tech companies pour hundreds of billions of dollars into advancing their chatbots and investing in data centers and other infrastructure.At its developers conference Monday, Apple executives showed how the more conversational virtual assistant Siri AI can help people get more done.The AI assistant can find the time of a concert, the location from a photo or information from text messages.

Apple showcased how AI can be used to point at a receipt and split bills at group dinners or events.With the new upgrade, users can now even customize the expressiveness or pace of Siri’s voice.People can access the revamped virtual assistant in different ways across Apple’s devices, including by pressing down on a button on the side of the phone, saying “Hey Siri” or asking questions within its search tool Spotlight.

The company also unveiled a standalone Siri AI app so people can view all their AI conversations in one place.The company tried to set itself apart from its competitors by emphasizing its focus on privacy and child safety.

Apple executives said that information shared with its AI system Apple Intelligence won’t be stored or accessible to Apple.“Some appear to be racing forward, seemingly pursuing AI for the sake of AI, without clear regard for the people,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, at the conference, which was held at the company’s Cupertino headquarters.Siri AI will be available in English later this year, and the company plans to expand support for other languages.

The company’s AI assistant will not initially be available in the European Union on some de...