Apple’s New AI Model Could Make Siri Less Terrible

For years, iPhone users have been voicing their frustrations with Siri, but this promising new AI system might finally improve its ability to grasp your commands.

It looks like Siri could be in line for a major upgrade soon, with reports indicating that Apple is working on a cutting-edge AI model to enhance the virtual assistant.

AI technology is transforming online platforms worldwide. Google and Microsoft have seamlessly integrated their chatbots into Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, fundamentally altering how businesses operate.

In contrast, Apple has taken a more subdued approach in the AI space, with limited investments and partnerships. However, this latest development might hint at a strategic shift for the tech giant.

What Is ReALM? Apple AI Model Explained

Apple recently unveiled a research paper detailing a new AI model called ReALM (Reference Resolution As Language Model), aimed at enhancing Siri's capabilities throughout the Apple ecosystem. ReALM is designed specifically to bolster Siri's performance.

This conversational AI system, ReALM, will leverage reference resolution to provide Siri with richer context for responding to queries. It will also enable Siri to utilize on-screen content for more informed responses and detect background activities.

The release of this information through a research paper suggests that ReALM may not be immediately available. However, with WWDC approaching in June and the anticipated announcement of Siri 2.0, it's plausible that ReALM could debut on your iPhone sooner rather than later.

Virtual Assistant AI Revival

Let's face it, Siri hasn't been considered a top virtual assistant for a while now. Google Assistant and Alexa dominate the market, and many Siri users have voiced dissatisfaction with its performance.

However, there's hope for improvement. Recent advancements in AI technology have greatly enhanced conversational capabilities, despite occasional AI errors. If Apple can leverage large language model (LLM) technology to enhance Siri, there's real potential for a significant impact, especially considering Siri's exclusive availability to over one billion iPhone users.

Siri isn't the only virtual assistant making a comeback. Samsung's Bixby, which was discontinued in 2020, is also receiving AI enhancements, which could potentially bring it back into competition for the company's popular smartphones.