Apple Inc. (AAPL.US) secretly developing an internal AI chat application, preparing for a major upgrade for Siri.

On Friday, Apple Inc. (AAPL.US) is secretly developing an iPhone application similar to ChatGPT, in order to test and optimize a major upgrade of Siri expected to be launched next year. This internal testing tool is seen as an important move by Apple Inc. to regain initiative in the field of generative artificial intelligence (AI). The application, with the codename "Veritas" (which means "truth" in Latin), is currently only for internal use within Apple Inc.'s AI department, with no plans for public release. With Veritas, Apple Inc. engineers can more efficiently evaluate the features of the new generation of Siri, including searching personal user data (such as music, emails), and performing tasks within applications, such as editing photos. The tool can also collect feedback from testers to evaluate whether the "ChatSiasun Robot & Automation" mode is more valuable. The next generation of Siri is expected to debut in March 2025, after many delays due to engineering issues. Sources reveal that the original plan was to launch it this spring, but due to a system efficiency failure rate of one-third, Apple Inc. was forced to delay. The software kernel for this upgrade, codenamed "Linwood", combines internally developed large language models with third-party models, aiming to significantly improve Siri's interaction and execution capabilities. The upgraded Siri will support more intelligent functions, including directly executing commands based on screen content, enabling seamless cross-app operations, and featuring conversation management functions similar to ChatGPT, allowing for saving, recalling, and supporting long-form, multi-turn conversations. This will help Apple Inc. compete fiercely with Alphabet's (GOOG.US, GOOGL.US) Alphabet Inc. Class C and Samsung Electronics in the AI smartphone market. Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook recently emphasized in an internal meeting that AI is the biggest technological revolution in decades, and the company must win in this field. Cook stated, "This is our opportunity, and we will invest the necessary resources to achieve it." In addition to Siri, Apple Inc. also plans to launch a redesigned visual voice assistant interface by the end of next year, and add more AI features to HomePod smart speakers, Apple TV, and even explore AI-based web search services. Earlier this year, Apple Inc. had discussions with OpenAI about the possibility of their technology supporting the new generation of Siri. Subsequently, Apple Inc. entered into deep discussions with Anthropic for collaboration, but recently strengthened discussions with Alphabet Inc. Class C, planning to deploy a customized version of the Gemini platform to support the Siri upgrade. The delay in the Siri upgrade has sparked a major adjustment in Apple Inc.'s AI strategy. Reports indicate that Apple Inc. has marginalized AI chief John Giannandrea, and his core team has been reorganized. Robby Walker, who was directly responsible for Siri, will leave in October, having previously founded the AKI (Answers, Knowledge, and Information) team, which has become a core force in the development of Apple Inc.'s AI search functions.