Apple has big plans to bring more powerful AI to its products. A report from Bloomberg says the company will launch a new version of Siri in early 2026 that learns from what you do in apps. After that, the company may introduce a standalone chatbot called Knowledge and an always-on AI copilot like the one Apple showed for workouts in watchOS.
A smarter Siri in 2026
Apple first spoke about a more contextual Siri at its 2024 developer conference. The new Siri will know what you are doing in apps and suggest actions without you having to ask. On iOS 18, Apple held back this feature to polish it. Now the plan is to add it along with the new Siri that runs on large language models, Siri LLM, next year.
The Siri LLM will understand natural language better and tap into your data in apps. It will suggest things before you even think to ask. For example, it might spot a flight confirmation in Mail and suggest adding it to your calendar. This version of Siri will need the power of the A18 chip and tight privacy controls to keep your data on the device.
The Knowledge chatbot
Once the new Siri ships, Apple may turn its AI into a standalone app called Knowledge. This chatbot is said to use Apple’s own web crawling tools to answer questions. Inside the company, it has been tested under names like Ajax and Ask. The Bloomberg report says AppleInsider found clues to these projects in code named AppleGPT.
The Knowledge app could live alongside Siri or be part of it. It may let you tap a dedicated button to get deep answers or summaries. Apple has not confirmed this. Some Apple leaders worry a separate app might distract from their goal of weaving AI into every part of the system.
An always-on AI copilot
The third project is an always-on version of Siri that works in the background. It would join other AI features like Live Translation and Visual Intelligence. The idea is that Siri can quietly listen and learn without a button press. It might pop up reminders or suggest actions as you work.
This copilot could look like the Workout Buddy on Apple Watch that gives tips while you exercise. On iPhone, it might read your screen context and offer next steps. It could also run on a Home Hub device to control smart home gear without asking Siri each time.
Why Apple moves carefully
Apple has fallen behind other tech giants in offering big AI chatbots. It delayed many features to ensure user privacy and on-device performance. The company has faced criticism for overpromising. This careful pace means you may wait to see these new tools appear in your hands.
Internal debates are said to be fierce. Some executives want AI hidden like a utility rather than a visible app. Others see value in a dedicated chat interface. Publicly, Apple says it is playing the long game and will add AI features at the right time.
What this means for users
Once Siri LLM comes, you will get an assistant that will learn your routines within applications and will make intelligent recommendations. A Knowledge chatbot might provide a fast means of finding a fact or composing a text without switching windows. A copilot that is always on can save you taps by doing what you are about to request.
All of these features will lean on Apple’s focus on privacy and device security. Apple insists your data will stay on your iPhone unless you choose to share it. If the rumors hold true, 2026 could begin a new era of AI for Apple customers.
