As Apple progresses in developing the next generation of Siri, the tech giant is making significant strides in enhancing the voice assistant’s capabilities. The integration of third-party apps with the new Siri system will be crucial for developers aiming to keep up with the evolving technological landscape. This transition is facilitated by the App Intents system, which will bridge the connection between apps, Siri, and Apple Intelligence. Developers are already challenged with adopting Apple’s fresh design in iOS 26, and the introduction of App Intents adds another layer of complexity to their development process.
In anticipation of the new Siri's launch, all app developers will likely have a limited window to prepare their applications for integration with the updated voice assistant before it becomes publicly available through Apple's developer beta program. Currently, Apple has provided a note in its developer documentation regarding App Intents, which has been a part of features like Shortcuts, Spotlight, and widgets for several years. The documentation highlights that Siri's personal context understanding, onscreen awareness, and in-app actions are under development and will be rolled out with a future software update.
As developers gear up for this transition, some popular iOS apps are expected to have a head start in adapting to the new Siri functionalities. According to renowned tech journalist Mark Gurman, Apple is collaborating with the companies behind eight widely-used iOS applications to refine App Intents and enhance the new Siri experience. These apps include:
UberAllTrailsThreadsTemuAmazonYouTubeFacebookWhatsAppIn addition to these partnerships, Gurman notes that Apple has conducted tests of the upgraded Siri with a select number of games, which may come as a surprise to many users. This indicates Apple's commitment to ensuring a diverse range of functionalities within the new Siri system.
Apple’s plans for the Siri upgrade have been closely followed, with updates suggesting that it could be released as early as spring next year. The new system was initially announced at the WWDC 2024 and was originally scheduled for launch by the previous spring. However, the development process has encountered challenges, particularly in creating a hybrid system that combines new large language models with the legacy components of the existing Siri.
As Apple works on its advancements, it faces competition from other tech giants like Amazon. The company appeared to be on track to lead the market with its updated Alexa+ system for Echo devices. However, early reviews suggest that Alexa+ has struggled with reliability in performing simpler tasks that the previous version managed effectively.
In conclusion, as developers prepare for the integration of the new Siri, the focus will be on ensuring their apps are compatible with the App Intents system. Staying informed about the evolving capabilities of Siri and the timeline for updates will be crucial for those looking to leverage the new features effectively.
