In a move reflecting its growing ambitions in artificial intelligence, recent reports published by Bloomberg news agency on Tuesday revealed that Apple is currently testing a new and innovative feature that allows the virtual Siri assistant to process multiple requests within a single voice command. This new capability represents one of the most anticipated updates to the nearly 15-year-old voice assistant architecture, as it will allow users to seamlessly chain a group of sequential tasks, such as asking for directions to a specific location, then sending those directions directly to a contact, all through a single voice command without needing to pause or rephrase the request.
Sources familiar with the matter reported by the agency stated that this pioneering feature is currently being developed to be an essential part of upcoming operating system releases, which include iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. These comprehensive updates are expected to be launched later this year, delivering an unprecedented user experience. In this context, tech circles anticipate that Apple will preview these new softwares and provide a general overview during its Worldwide Developers Conference, scheduled to kick off on June 8.
A long-awaited update in the world of artificial intelligence
For a long time, Siri’s capabilities were limited to handling only one command at a time for most requests made by users. Although the company allowed users to ask additional follow-up questions without needing to re-utter the assistant’s wake word, those consecutive inquiries still had to be issued separately and step by step. This multi-command feature comes as part of a broader and more comprehensive update to the Apple Intelligence ecosystem, an update the company initially outlined in June 2024, though it faced a series of repeated delays that heightened anticipation among both users and developers alike.
Under this radical overhaul and comprehensive development, the voice assistant will gain a deeper understanding of the user’s personal context and will be capable of perceiving and understanding content displayed on the device screen in real time, as well as executing complex actions that navigate smoothly across multiple applications. Alongside this, reports indicate that Apple is also testing a standalone app codenamed “Campus”, which will operate similarly to competing chatbots developed by leading companies such as OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. This standalone app will come equipped with an advanced interactive chat interface and a complete history of previous conversations, making it a powerful and integrated tool for daily communication.
Standalone app and deeper integration with the user interface
In additional details, the report prepared by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman stated that Apple is conducting intensive experiments to integrate the voice assistant within the Dynamic Island feature on its modern phones. According to these experiments, a glowing, attractive icon accompanied by text indicating the search status will appear while the system processes user requests, providing a more interactive and modern visual experience compared to previous interfaces. This interface change reflects the company’s keenness to make artificial intelligence an integral part of the visual and practical experience for users.
Strategic partnerships to support the next generation of models
These massive improvements in voice assistant capabilities build upon a multi-year strategic partnership announced by Apple and Google last January. Under this agreement, the next generation of Apple’s foundational models will be built relying on Gemini models and advanced cloud computing technologies provided by Google. Reports indicated that Apple plans to spend approximately $1 billion annually to ensure access to Google’s superior artificial intelligence capabilities, underscoring Apple’s seriousness in catching up with the AI revolution and surpassing its competitors.
New extensions system and AI applications platform
Along the same lines, separate reports published last week revealed that Apple is preparing an entirely new extensions system dedicated to iOS 27. This innovative system will allow third-party AI chatbots, including the Gemini bot and Anthropic’s Claude bot, to integrate and connect directly with Apple’s voice assistant.
Through this system, users will be able to manage services that can operate within the virtual system and customize them according to their preferences through an entirely new section to be added to the Settings app. Additionally, a specific area within the App Store will be designated to serve as a comprehensive digital marketplace gathering AI integrations and extensions, making it easier for users to discover new tools and enhance their phone capabilities.
“The strategic shift in how the company handles generative artificial intelligence technologies represents a crucial step to maintain its competitive position in the global technology market.”
With the rapid development witnessed by smart chatbots and the growing reliance of users on them to accomplish daily tasks, it has become imperative for the classic virtual assistant to transition from a mere tool for executing simple commands into a comprehensive smart platform capable of thinking, reasoning, and coordinating complex tasks. It is worth noting that Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent by Reuters regarding Tuesday’s report, leaving the door open to further speculation and expectations until the anticipated conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new feature Apple is testing in its voice assistant?
The company is testing a feature that allows the assistant to process multiple interconnected requests in a single voice command, such as requesting directions and sending them to a contact instantly and without pausing.
When are the new system updates expected to be unveiled?
The company is expected to preview these new systems during its Worldwide Developers Conference kicking off on June 8.
What is the new extensions system Apple is developing?
It is a system that will be launched to allow third-party chatbots, such as Google and Anthropic models, to integrate directly inside the company’s voice assistant, with a dedicated section for them in the App Store.
