Apple's 'ChatGPT' is coming soon.

Apple is developing and using its own new chatbot application. Photo: Bloomberg .

According to Bloomberg, Apple has developed an app similar to ChatGPT on the iPhone. The app is designed to support testing and preparation for the long-awaited Siri overhaul, which is expected to launch next year.

The software is codenamed Veritas. Through it, the company's AI division can quickly evaluate new features for Siri, including testing searching personal data, such as songs and emails, and performing in-app tasks like photo editing.

Sources indicate that the project is currently private and Apple has no plans to release it to consumers. Essentially, the company is operating the new Siri for internal employees to use and test, in order to gather feedback on whether the chatbot format is truly useful.

Reviving AI efforts

Veritas has a design similar to most popular chatbots on the market, allowing users to create multiple conversations on a variety of topics. The chatbot can save and reference previous chats, continue from old questions, and facilitate back-and-forth exchanges.

The design team used the app to test an upgraded platform system for running the new Siri. The system, codenamed Linwood, operates on large language models and combines Apple's Foundation Models team with a third-party model.

Although not yet publicly released, this internal tool marks a new phase in the company's AI efforts. The new version of Siri is expected to launch as early as March after numerous delays. The software's smooth operation could help Apple make a comeback in the AI field, or conversely, it could leave the company further behind competitors like Google and Samsung.

The iPhone 17 launch event didn't mention AI much. Photo: CNET.

Experts predict that the competition for AI features will escalate next year, becoming a more important factor when considering purchasing a smartphone. Meanwhile, Apple didn't mention this feature much during the iPhone 17 launch event in September.

Apple failed in one-third of its Siri upgrade tests due to technical issues. This led to a delay in its launch early last year.

Apple's larger goal is to solidify its leading position in a key market. In a recent meeting with employees, CEO Tim Cook said the company must win in the AI field, calling it the biggest transformation in decades.

In addition to focusing resources on Siri, Apple is also preparing to launch a version of its voice assistant with a new, intuitive interface design by the end of 2026. The company is also developing more AI-powered smart home devices, adding AI features to the HomePod speaker and Apple TV, and accelerating its foray into AI-based web search.

Apple's ultimate goal

In early 2025, Apple had discussions with OpenAI and subsequently entered advanced negotiation phases to use Anthropic's Claude to support the new Siri. However, Apple has recently intensified discussions with Google about deploying a customized version of the Gemini platform for Siri.

The company's decision not to release Veritas to users is hardly surprising. Apple leaders have long expressed hesitation, both internally and publicly, about entering this market. In an interview with Tom's Guide , Apple software director Craig Federighi stated that such tools are powerful but not the company's primary goal.

John Giannandrea and Craig Federighi are Apple's AI leaders. Photo: Bloomberg.

The delay in the Siri upgrade earlier this year has led to a larger restructuring of Apple's AI strategy. This includes the sidelining of AI director John Giannandrea and several of his assistants, and Robby Walker, who directly oversaw Siri until the delay, will leave Apple in October.

Before leaving, Walker formed a new team called AKI, which played a central role in developing AI-based search features for the updated version of Siri. The Veritas app will also contribute to this effort by allowing testers to retrieve information from the internet and view summaries.

Apple's ultimate goal is to compete with ChatGPT and Perplexity, but within the Siri interface itself. The upgrade is designed to handle information displayed on the user's screen, as well as allow users to navigate their device more smoothly through Siri.

Source: https://znews.vn/sap-co-chatgpt-cua-apple-post1588674.html