Apple Shakes Up AI Team, Plans Major Siri Upgrades

Apple has made a key leadership change within its AI division as it works to strengthen its artificial intelligence efforts and improve Siri. Kim Vorrath, a 36-year Apple veteran who played a crucial role in the development of the Vision Pro software, has been transferred to the artificial intelligence and machine learning division, where she will serve as a “top deputy” to Apple’s AI chief, John Giannandrea, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Siri Upgrades in the Pipeline

Apple’s AI team is reportedly focused on revamping the infrastructure of Siri and improving its in-house AI models. One major Siri upgrade will allow it to better understand and act on what’s happening on a user’s screen. However, this feature is not expected until iOS 18.4, which underscores Apple’s slower rollout compared to its rivals.

In contrast to the rapid advancements of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, Apple’s AI developments have yet to make a similar impact. The company also recently faced criticism over its AI-powered news notification summaries, which are being paused with iOS 18.3 following complaints about inaccuracies.

Kim Vorrath’s Role

Vorrath’s appointment signals Apple’s intent to bring greater rigor and focus to its AI projects. Her extensive experience includes serving on the original iPhone software team and playing a pivotal role in the Vision Pro’s launch. Moving her into this position indicates Apple may be prioritizing AI as a cornerstone of its future product ecosystem, potentially rivaling its efforts with the Vision Pro.

What’s Next for Apple AI?

Apple’s recent moves suggest a long-term strategy to make artificial intelligence more central to its products. While its progress has been steady rather than groundbreaking, the company’s focus on foundational improvements to Siri and its AI models could signal a shift toward delivering more competitive and impactful AI-driven features.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.