Apple plans to transform Siri into a fully-fledged AI chatbot later in 2026, marking the Company’s most significant digital assistant overhaul. The chatbot, code-named Campos, will be embedded deeply into iPhone, iPad and Mac operating systems and replace the current Siri interface.
Figure 1: Apple logo displayed on a smartphone, symbolising the Company’s expanding focus on AI-driven software and services across its device ecosystem [Mashable]
The Apple Siri AI update represents a strategic shift for the tech giant as it works to catch up with competitors in the generative AI race. Bloomberg News reported the development, citing people familiar with the plan who requested anonymity.
Apple AI Chatbot iPhone Integration Targets September 2026 Launch
The Apple AI chatbot iPhone rollout is scheduled for September 2026 following an anticipated June announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference. Users will be able to summon the new service the same way they currently access Siri, by speaking the “Siri” command or holding down the side button.
Campos will feature both voice-based and typing-based modes. The chatbot will be integrated into iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, both code-named Rave, as well as macOS 27, internally known as Fizz.
Figure 2: Apple Intelligence branding displayed on an iPhone screen [Economic Times]
Apple shares gained on the chatbot news, climbing as much as 1.7 per cent to a session high of $250.83. Google parent Alphabet, which is supplying the underlying technology for the Project, rose 2.6 per cent to $330.32.
The new approach will go well beyond the abilities of the current Siri. Today’s Siri lacks a chat-like feel and the back-and-forth conversational abilities of OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini.
Google Partnership Powers Apple Siri AI Update Technology
The Apple Siri AI update will rely heavily on a custom AI model developed by the Google Gemini team. Apple struck a deal with Google earlier in January 2026 to use its Gemini models to power Siri, in a major win for the Alphabet-owned firm.
Campos will run a higher-end version of the custom Google model, comparable to Gemini 3, that is known internally as Apple Foundation Models version 11. The system will operate at significantly higher complexity than previous Siri versions.
Apple is paying Google roughly $1 billion annually for access to the models. The Company may also turn to Google technology to enhance existing Apple Intelligence features beyond the chatbot functionality.
Mac AI Assistant Update Brings Deep Operating System Integration
The Mac AI assistant update will integrate Campos across all core Apple applications. The chatbot will be embedded into apps for mail, music, podcasts, TV, Xcode programming software and photos. Users will be able to do much more with just their voice.
A user could ask Siri within the email app to write a message to a friend about upcoming calendar plans. Unlike third-party chatbots running on Apple devices, the planned offering is designed to analyse open windows and on-screen content to take actions and suggest commands.
Figure 3: Conceptual keynote-style image illustrating Apple’s exploration of advanced artificial intelligence capabilities and digital assistant technologies [TechGig]
Campos will also be able to control device features and settings, allowing it to make phone calls, set timers and launch the camera. The chatbot may let Apple replace its Spotlight function, which currently lets users search for content on their devices.
Apple AI Chatbot iPhone Features Include Web Search and Content Creation
Like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, the Apple AI chatbot iPhone implementation will allow users to search the web for information, create content, generate images, summarise information and analyse uploaded files. The chatbot will draw on personal data to complete tasks more efficiently.
The system will be able to locate specific files, songs, calendar events and text messages more easily than current Siri. It will also feature a capability called World Knowledge Answers, providing web-summarised responses similar to Perplexity and ChatGPT along with citations.
Earlier Apple Siri AI Update Planned Before Campos Launch
A non-chatbot Apple Siri AI update is planned for iOS 26.4, due in the coming months before the full Campos rollout. This intermediate upgrade retains the current interface while adding features unveiled in 2024.
The earlier update will include the ability to analyse on-screen content and tap into personal data. It will also be better at searching the web. The iOS 26.4 update of Siri will rely on a Google-developed system internally known as Apple Foundation Models version 10.
Figure 4: Visual representation of Siri and Apple’s virtual assistant interface [EITBiz]
That software will operate at 1.2 trillion parameters, a measure of AI complexity. However, Campos will significantly surpass those capabilities with its higher-end model comparable to Gemini 3.
Internally, Apple is testing the chatbot technology as a standalone Siri app, similar to the ChatGPT and Gemini options available in the App Store. The Company does not plan to offer that version to customers, instead integrating the software across its operating systems.
Wearable AI Pin Development Complements Apple AI Chatbot iPhone Plans
Separately, The Information reported that Apple is developing an AI-powered wearable pin equipped with multiple cameras, a speaker, microphones and wireless charging. The device could be released as early as 2027 according to the report.
The wearable development suggests Apple is exploring multiple AI hardware categories beyond the Apple AI chatbot iPhone integration. The pin would represent a new product line for the Company in the AI-powered device market.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s planned transformation of Siri into a fully-featured chatbot marks a significant strategic shift for the Company. The Campos chatbot will provide conversational AI capabilities comparable to ChatGPT and Google Gemini while maintaining deep integration across Apple’s device ecosystem.
The partnership with Google provides Apple access to advanced AI models while the Company works to enhance its own AI capabilities. The $1 billion annual payment reflects the strategic importance of competitive AI features for the iPhone maker.
With a planned September 2026 launch, Apple aims to close the gap with competitors who already offer sophisticated chatbot experiences. The success of this initiative will be crucial for maintaining Apple’s competitive position in an increasingly AI-driven technology landscape.
FAQs
Q1. When will the new Apple Siri AI chatbot launch?
Ans. Apple plans to announce the Campos chatbot at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2026 and release it in September 2026.
Q2. What technology powers the Apple AI chatbot for iPhone?
Ans. The chatbot will run on a custom Google model comparable to Gemini 3, known internally as Apple Foundation Models version 11.
Q3. How will users access the new Siri chatbot?
Ans. Users will be able to summon the chatbot the same way they currently open Siri, by speaking the “Siri” command or holding down the side button on their iPhone or iPad.
Q4. What features will the Apple chatbot include?
Ans. The chatbot will allow users to search the web, create content, generate images, summarise information, analyse files, control device features and access personal data to complete tasks. It will have both voice and typing modes.
