Apple has recently unveiled details about an internal tool that has captured the attention of industry insiders. Known as Veritas, this sophisticated chatbot application is currently being utilized by Apple employees to facilitate the development of Siri’s forthcoming AI enhancements.
Veritas: Apple’s ChatGPT-like app to test Siri’s upcoming AI upgrade
As reported by Bloomberg, Veritas—derived from the Latin word for “truth”—serves as a testing ground for generative AI technology. While it offers Apple staff a glimpse into advanced AI capabilities, the company has no intention of making it available to the public. Instead, the focus remains on integrating this technology deeply within its systems rather than presenting it as a standalone chatbot.
Functioning similarly to other prominent AI chatbots, Veritas enables users to manage intricate conversations, store previous chats, and engage in extended dialogues across a range of subjects. This dedicated testing environment is designed to allow Apple’s AI division to swiftly assess the new technologies that will underpin the upcoming Siri features while gathering valuable feedback on the chatbot format itself. By keeping this tool internal, Apple can maintain control over the testing process and uphold its renowned quality standards ahead of a significant public release.
The high stakes of the Siri overhaul
The impetus for such rigorous internal testing stems from the high-stakes overhaul of Siri, codenamed Linwood. This ambitious project aims to transform Siri into a more powerful personal data assistant capable of searching personal emails, managing music libraries, executing complex in-app tasks like photo editing, and interacting seamlessly with on-screen content. These enhancements are poised to revolutionize how Apple users navigate their devices.
To achieve these goals, a robust system like Veritas is essential. The initial launch, originally slated for last spring, faced delays due to significant engineering challenges, with reports indicating failure rates as high as one-third. This setback prompted a substantial restructuring of Apple’s AI leadership, including the sidelining of AI chief John Giannandrea and some of his team members. Additionally, Robby Walker, who previously oversaw Siri, is set to depart from Apple in October.
Integration, not standalone
Recent reports suggest that the upgraded Siri could make its debut as early as March. The development process involves intricate negotiations with external partners, including discussions with Google regarding the deployment of a tailored version of the Gemini platform for this extensive initiative.
Moreover, it is important to note that Apple’s commitment to AI extends beyond the current Siri project. The company is also working on a visually redesigned voice assistant scheduled for release late next year, alongside efforts to introduce AI-driven web search functionalities.
