Apple's Secret 'Veritas' AI: Testing Ground for Siri's Next-Gen Capabilities

Report: Apple Has Developed an Internal ChatGPT-Like Tool for Testing Siri Features

According to the report, Apple has no plans to release the AI tool to the public. What if Apple developed its own version of ChatGPT, but never let you use it? That may be what happens with Veritas, the reported name of an iPhone app that the world's largest tech company developed and released internally to test new features for Siri, its virtual personal assistant. In a report from Bloomberg's technology reporter Mark Gurman, Apple reportedly released an app resembling OpenAI's ChatGPT to employees as part of its ongoing Siri overhaul. Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source. A representative for Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read more: Best AI chatbots Siri has been due for an upgrade for some time, but that's been delayed to sometime in the spring of 2026 as development continues. There have even been rumors that Apple could employ Google's Gemini AI technology to beef up Siri's capabilities. Veritas (Latin for "truth") is being used to test Siri features such as using AI to do advanced searches of emails or songs and to perform actions such as photo editing, the report says. Veritas apparently supports multiple conversations that can be carried on over time, similar to ChatGPT. Apple has struggled to keep up with the fast-moving AI industry. Users have offered a lackluster response to its Apple Intelligence features, and the delays to Siri's upgrade which at one time led the pack on voice assistants, haven't helped. There are still some useful AI features on Apple's platforms, but they have not drawn as much attention as those from rivals such as OpenAI, Google and Meta.

Apple's 'Veritas' chatbot is reportedly an employee-only test of Siri's AI upgrades

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman Apple is testing Siri's upcoming revamp using an internal chatbot called Veritas. The company's struggles as it tries to keep pace in the AI race are no secret. The next-gen Siri has been delayed multiple times and the debut of Apple Intelligence was met with a tepid response. Veritas gives Apple the ability to quickly develop, test, and collect feedback on new Siri features like "search[ing] through personal data... and perform[ing] in-app actions like editing photos."

Apple's ChatGPT-Like App Is Reportedly In Testing, But May Never Reach Your iPhone

Jibin is a tech news writer based in Ahmedabad, India, who loves breaking down complex information for a broader audience. Don't miss out on our latest stories. Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google. Apple's expected to release a revamped version of Siri next Spring, and the company has already begun testing its capabilities on a newly built app called Veritas, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. Veritas (Latin for "truth") will use a mix of Apple's own AI models and a third-party model, most likely Google's Gemini. Together, these models will provide users with a ChatGPT-like experience, letting them drop queries via text, receive responses, and engage in back-and-forth conversations. Additionally, Veritas will be capable of handling two long-overdue Siri features, including using personal context to respond and performing in-app actions. Users, for example, will be able to ask the app to edit photos or fetch information from their personal data. While these developments may excite Apple users, there's a big catch. According to Gurman's sources, Veritas may never get a public release. It is only being used by company employees to test how well Siri's new capabilities work. Last month, Gurman also reported that Apple is working on an AI-powered web search tool called "answer engine." It is unclear how similar or different Veritas is from this tool. Siri's ability to draw from personal context and take in-app or cross-app actions was announced with the iPhone 16 last year. Initially, these features were meant to arrive with Apple Intelligence but were delayed after Apple's software team found that Siri's old architecture didn't deliver the quality they expected. Apple then began developing a new architecture, something that was capable of delivering "the full set of capabilities that we wanted for Siri," Apple's software boss, Craig Federighi, said in June. The fully-fledged version is expected to arrive next year. The long delay, however, has led to multiple lawsuits, and Apple responded to one of them last week. "Plaintiffs complain about the timing of release of two features, despite the near-two dozen Apple Intelligence features that have already been delivered," Apple said in its motion to dismiss. Disclosure: Ziff Davis, PCMag's parent company, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in April 2025, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Apple Builds a ChatGPT-Like App to Help Test the Revamped Siri

Apple Inc. has developed a ChatGPT-like iPhone app to help test and prepare for a long-anticipated overhaul of Siri coming next year, according to people familiar with the matter. The company's AI division is using the app to quickly evaluate new features for Siri, Apple's voice-powered assistant. That includes testing the ability to search through personal data, such as songs and emails, and perform in-app actions like editing photos, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the initiative is private.

Apple reportedly made a ChatGPT-clone to test Siri's new capabilities

In the pursuit of actually releasing the updated version of Siri the company promised way back at WWDC 2024, Apple is taking a page out of OpenAI's book. According to Bloomberg, the company has created a ChatGPT-inspired app to test Siri's new capabilities ahead of the release of the improved voice assistant next year. This new app, called "Veritas" internally, will likely never make its way to the public in its current form, but offers Apple employees a faster way to test Siri's new skills. That includes letting users search through personal data stored on their phone, like their emails and messages, or taking action in apps, like editing photos. The new app is apparently also a way for Apple to "gather feedback on whether the chatbot format has value," Bloomberg writes. While an internal app doesn't make it any clearer how useful Apple's updated Siri will be, it does suggest the project is in a more advanced stage than before. Given the difficulty the company's faced actually releasing its various AI products -- including publicly delaying the Siri update back in March 2025 -- that's meaningful. Apple's original promise for Apple Intelligence was that it could offer a curated selection of AI-powered features with a level of privacy and polish that its competitors couldn't muster. The reality is that Apple shipped a collection of so-so features that worked, but couldn't pull off its truly impressive demo: a Siri informed on the context of your life and with the ability to actually do things on your phone. Apple is only realizing that vision in 2026, Bloomberg reports, through a combination of its own AI models, and at least one third-party model from its competitors. In June, the company was reportedly considering using a model from either OpenAI or Anthropic, but as of August, the company is now apparently circling a partnership with Google.

Apple testing "Veritas" AI chatbot to upgrade Siri as M5 and M6 MacBook Pros, iPhone 17e target 2026 launch

Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. What we know so far: The rollout of Apple Intelligence has received lukewarm reactions from users and reviewers, but the company is moving forward with plans to integrate AI into Siri. To that end, Apple is reportedly testing an AI-powered version of its virtual assistant using a chatbot named "Veritas." According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is using Veritas to develop and test a range of features that it plans to introduce to Siri in the near future, including comprehensive local search and in-app actions such as image editing and file management. The AI chatbot is also helping Apple refine natural language interactions. Apple is currently collecting feedback on Veritas from employees who have been using the software for some time. However, the company reportedly has no plans to release the chatbot to the public through an open beta. Gurman suggests this may be a mistake, as public testing could provide valuable real-world data to improve the software. Siri is rumored to receive a major AI-powered revamp next March as Apple aims to catch up with Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT. Internally dubbed Project Linwood, the upgrade will enable Siri to search both the web and on-device data, as well as allow users to control their iPhone via voice commands. On the hardware front, Apple is developing the next-generation MacBooks powered by the M5 family of processors. According to Gurman, the new MacBook Pro models could enter mass production in late 2025 or early 2026, with a potential launch in March. The upgraded 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are expected to feature M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips. More significant changes may arrive later in the year. Rumors suggest the MacBook Pro could adopt a touchscreen OLED display, a thinner form factor, a smaller front notch, and cellular connectivity. These models are also expected to use M6, M6 Pro, and M6 Max chips, fabricated using TSMC's latest 2nm process. Apple is reportedly preparing the iPhone 17e as the successor to the entry-level iPhone 16e. While Gurman did not provide specific details, he noted that upgraded iPad Pro, iPad Air, and base iPad models are also in development. Launch dates for these devices remain uncertain.

Bloomberg: Apple using a ChatGPT-style app to test next-gen Siri

As Apple continues its work on a revamped version of Siri, a new report from Bloomberg today has details on the company's testing process. Mark Gurman reports that Apple has developed a "ChatGPT-like app to help test and prepare" for the launch of the next-generation version of Siri. The report details that Apple doesn't currently plan to launch the app to the public. Instead, the company is using it as a way to evaluate new features for Siri. Bloomberg explains: "The app essentially takes the still-in-progress technology from the new Siri and puts it in a form employees can test out more efficiently. The company also can gather feedback on whether the chatbot format has value." The app is described as resembling most popular chatbots. It lets Apple users "manage multiple conversations across different topics" and can "save and reference past chats, follow up on earlier queries and support extended back-and-forth exchanges." As Bloomberg notes, Apple executives have expressed doubt in the usefulness of chatbot interfaces for artificial intelligence features. In an interview with Joanna Stern at WWDC this year, Apple's Craig Federighi said Apple wants to build an experience that is "integrated into everything you do, not a bolt-on chatbot on the side." Do you think Apple should release a ChatGPT-style chatbot app to the public, or should it focus on integrating similar features into the dedicated Siri interface?

Apple reportedly built its own 'ChatGPT-like' chatbot -- here's why you're never going to be able to use it

Here's some bittersweet news for anyone eagerly anticipating Apple's next big push into AI. According to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple has developed its own "ChatGPT-like iPhone app" to help prepare for the long-delayed AI overhaul of Siri -- which is due next year. The bad news is that we won't be using it anytime soon. Gurman claims that Apple's AI division is using the new app, dubbed "Veritas," to "quickly evaluate new features for Siri." Features that include searching personal data, like songs and emails, or performing in-app actions like photo editing. Apparently, Veritas resembles other popular chatbots and is designed to let users keep the conversations running across multiple topics at once. The AI also includes the ability to save and refer to past conversations, remember earlier questions and handle various exchanges with the users. Sadly, this is all meant for internal use, and there aren't any plans to release the app to the public. Instead, we've been hearing reports about Apple's discussions with Google to deploy a custom Large Language Model (LLM) onto the iPhone. It's not been clear how similar this model will be to Google's Gemini AI, but considering Apple's focus on privacy, it's likely that whatever models Google comes up with will have to play nice with Apple's Private Cloud Compute system. So what is the point in keeping Veritas as an internal system? The goal with this app is to take "till-in-progress" technology Apple is developing for the new Siri and put it in a format that employees can test more easily. Gurman notes that it also allows Apple to get feedback on how valuable having its own chatbot might be. And while we'd rather see Apple release new AI technology publicly, this suggests that the company is making progress. The Siri relaunch was supposed to have happened months ago, but Apple reportedly started facing serious problems behind the scenes. Not only did that lead to delays, but it also seemingly put other AI development on hold. That would explain the lack of serious AI features on iPhone 17 and in iOS 26 at any rate. Hopefully, the Veritas app can help progress get back on track and ensure the new Siri arrives sooner rather than later. Because if there are any more delays, Apple risks falling even further behind in the AI race than it already is. At the moment, the upgraded Siri is expected to launch at some point in early 2026.

Apple Testing LLM Siri With ChatGPT-Like App

Apple designed a ChatGPT-like app to help its engineers test the overhauled version of Siri, reports Bloomberg</em>. Unfortunately, the Siri app isn't going to be released to the public, and it's strictly for internal testing. The app is being used to test new Siri features that Apple has planned, such as more contextual awareness, an ability to do more in and between apps, and deeper integration with personal data. It is said to look similar to other chatbot apps, organized into multiple conversations across different topics. The app is able to remember and reference past chats, and it supports extended conversations. Apple has been working on a smarter version of Siri since the launch of iOS 18. The company initially planned to debut an Apple Intelligence Siri as part of the update, but ended up delaying the functionality until 2026 because it did not meet Apple's standards. The Apple Intelligence Siri plan was scrapped, and Apple decided to entirely overhaul Siri with second-generation architecture, speeding up an LLM transition. The upcoming version of Siri that Apple plans to release will use advanced large language models like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and other AI chatbots. LLM Siri will be able to hold continuous conversations, provide human-like responses to questions, and complete more complex tasks. Apple is on track to launch the LLM version of Siri in early 2026, likely as part of an iOS 26.4 update that could come in March. That will see Siri introduced a full year after Apple originally wanted launch the updated version of the personal assistant. At the end of next year, Apple is planning to unveil a new look for Siri, giving it a more humanoid design that could be similar to the Mac's finder logo. Apple has held talks with Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google, and it may use a third-party company to power the new version of Siri rather than relying on its in-house AI models.

Apple built its own ChatGPT-like app to test out new Siri AI revamp

The iPhone maker has been overhauling its Siri voice assistant in hopes of making it comparable to AI tools from companies like OpenAI and Google. In fact, speaking of the ChatGPT creator, Apple has created its own version of OpenAI's AI chatbot to test out the new and improved Siri. According to a new report from Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman, Apple has created a ChatGPT-like app dubbed "Veritas" to prepare Siri for its revamp next year. Veritas is only for internal use among Apple employees in its AI division, and the company has no current plans to release it to the public. However, news of Vertias' existence gives us an important look into Apple's plans. Apple is perhaps the biggest tech company that has yet to fully immerse its products in AI like its competitors. Apple launched its own AI features, Apple Intelligence, just last year. However, unlike its competitors, Apple Intelligence is powered by a combination of Apple's own technology and AI technology from partnered companies. Veritas is being used to test Apple's new system, named Linwood, that powers the revamped Siri, according to Gurman. Linwood uses large language models, including Apple's own, combined with a third-party model. Apple is also utilizing Veritas in order to test out features that will be integrated into its new Siri voice assistant, which is still in production. In addition, the company will also evaluate whether these features serve users in an AI chatbot format as well. According to the report, some features being tested include AI search through a user's personal data, which includes everything from the music library to emails. Testing is also being conducted on in-app features like editing photos with AI. Apple just recently released its latest smartphone, the iPhone 17. Looking over Apple's other soon-to-be-announced products, the new Siri appears to be the next big mobile release. Over the past few weeks, reports have pointed to Apple still working out which AI companies to partner with for the new and improved voice assistant. However, the Siri revamp has been delayed many times before. Gurman reports that Apple is currently slated for a March 2026 debut for the new Siri.

Apple may have already built a ChatGPT rival, but you won't see it soon

Apple's struggles to give Siri an AI-brain transplant and push it into the same league as Gemini and ChatGPT have been ruined by delays and technical challenges. But ahead of the rumored 2026 AI rebirth of Siri, Apple has already created an AI app similar to ChatGPT to test next-gen features for the Siri assistant. What's the big shift? Under the codename Veritas, Apple has reportedly developed an iPhone app that serves as a test-bed for Siri's upcoming features. The app is similar to AI chatbot apps such as ChatGPT, with a memory feature to recall the context of previous conversations and advanced conversational capabilities. "The company's AI division is using the app to quickly evaluate new features for Siri, Apple's voice-powered assistant. That includes testing the ability to search through personal data, such as songs and emails, and perform in-app actions like editing photos," says a report by Bloomberg. Recommended Videos The app is built atop a new code with the same AI foundations as other apps, which offer a large language model (LLM). In this case, the code is hybrid, combining Apple's own Foundation Models and those supplied by a different AI lab. The big take The app currently being tested at Apple is likely a prototype designed solely for analyzing in-development features. Down the road, these features could be integrated within the Siri app and the Apple Intelligence stack as a whole. The situation is pretty interesting. So far, Apple has offered a system where OpenAI's ChatGPT takes over when Siri can't fulfill a complex query. But as the company struggled with in-house progress, it has apparently talked with Google and Anthropic to test a version of Siri powered by Gemini and Claude, respectively. "The fact that the company isn't preparing to release the Veritas chatbot to customers comes as little surprise," adds the latest report. It would be interesting to see what upgrades Apple has planned for Siri, which is due for an "LLM Siri" rebirth and a new visual identity.

Apple Made Its Own ChatGPT-Like App For Siri, But You Can't Use It - Phandroid

Apple is building a ChatGPT style app to test the next version of Siri, but don't get too excited. The app, codenamed Veritas (Latin for "truth"), is strictly for internal use only. Apple's AI team is using it to experiment with new Siri features like searching through your personal data and performing in-app actions. Think editing photos or pulling up specific emails without jumping through hoops. The problem? The new Siri still isn't ready, and Apple keeps pushing back the release date. According to Bloomberg, Veritas works more like a traditional chatbot than Siri does right now. It can handle multi-turn conversations, remember what you talked about earlier, and reference past chats. Apple is using this format to test features faster without dealing with Siri's existing limitations. The company can also gather feedback on whether a chatbot interface makes sense for the future. The upgraded Siri was originally supposed to launch in early 2025. Now Apple is targeting March 2026 at the earliest. Engineering problems caused the features to fail about a third of the time during testing, which forced Apple to completely overhaul Siri's backend architecture. That's a pretty significant delay for something Apple promoted heavily with the iPhone 16 launch. Apple is reportedly developing two versions of the new Siri. One powered by its own AI models, and another using third-party tech from companies like Google or OpenAI. Apple's Siri struggles are well documented at this point, so hedging bets with outside help makes sense. For now, the ChatGPT style app stays locked away inside Apple. Executives have made it clear they're not interested in releasing a standalone chatbot to the public. The focus is entirely on fixing Siri itself.

Apple Reportedly Builds a ChatGPT-Like App to Test Next-Gen Siri

Apple is reportedly working on a new ChatGPT-like application to help test and prepare the much-awaited overhaul of Siri. The app is codenamed Veritas and is meant for internal usage to test the AI features of the next-generation Siri, help the team to iron out the bugs, and make it ready for the anticipated launch next year. As per the latest report, the new internal tool is helping Apple's AI division to simulate real-world interactions before rolling out major updates next year. Apple Test Next-Gen Siri with a ChatGPT-like App As per a report by Bloomberg, the new application is codenamed Veritas, which means truth in Latin. The report further highlights that the application is meant for internal use and the company has no plans to launch it to the public. The report further mentions that the application will help Apple's AI division to test out the next-generation Siri more efficiently. The report further highlighted that the application resembles most chatbots available in the market. The app helps users to manage multiple chats, follow up with queries, and more. Apple engineers are reportedly using feedback loops from these tests to refine prompt strategies, response generation layers, and error-handling logic. The app is reportedly designed to test the revamped underlying system, codenamed Linwood. This is the same system that Apple has built to power the new Siri. The report further mentions that the software relies heavily on large language models and combines work from Apple's own Foundation Models team with a third-party model. Next-Gen Siri Slated for Early 2026 Launch The report further mentions that the Cupertino-based giant is planning to introduce an upgraded version of Siri by March 2026 after multiple delays. The company was originally reported to debut the next-generation Siri with the rollout of iOS 18, but faced problems. The company is also planning to visually redesign its personal voice assistant for the end of next year. Moreover, the report further adds that Apple is reportedly working on a range of AI-powered smart home devices, bringing new AI features to its existing lineup, and adding more AI features to its web search. Interestingly, Apple is in a tight corner when it comes to AI. The company is falling behind its competitors, Google and Samsung, in the AI race. The company has made multiple attempts to set its foot in delivering AI to its customers. The brand held talks with OpenAI, held advanced negotiations with Anthropic's Claude, and even ramped up discussions with Google to use a custom version of Gemini on its devices.

Siri 2.0 coming soon? Apple's secret ChatGPT-style app built to test new features before launch

Apple Siri upgrade: Apple is internally testing a ChatGPT-style app, 'Veritas', to prepare for a major Siri upgrade, now expected as early as March next year after technical delays. The company aims for a revamped Siri to handle complex tasks, exploring partnerships with AI leaders like Google, as CEO Tim Cook stresses the importance of winning in AI. Apple Siri upgrade: Apple is quietly testing a ChatGPT-style iPhone app as part of preparations for a major Siri upgrade expected next year, as per a Bloomberg report. The app, code-named 'Veritas', which is Latin for "truth", is being used internally by Apple's AI division. Its purpose is to help employees evaluate new Siri features more efficiently, such as searching personal data like songs and emails, or performing in-app actions like editing photos, as per the Bloomberg report. For now, Apple has no plans to release the app publicly, as per the report. The internal tool resembles other popular AI chatbots, allowing multiple conversations across different topics, referencing past chats, and supporting extended back-and-forth exchanges, as per the report. It is also being used to test a new underlying system, 'Linwood', which combines Apple's in-house large language models with a third-party model, as per Bloomberg. ALSO READ: iOS 26 slowing your iPhone? 10 hidden features you must switch off now to save battery & speed Apple has faced multiple delays in bringing the new Siri to market. Originally slated for release last spring, the rollout was pushed back after engineering problems caused features to fail up to a third of the time. The upgraded Siri is now expected as early as March, reported Bloomberg. The company hopes the revamped assistant will handle tasks current versions cannot, such as acting on what's displayed on a user's screen and enabling smoother device navigation, reported Bloomberg. Even without public release, the Veritas app marks a significant step in Apple's high-stakes push to reshape its AI future. ALSO READ: How to customize your iPhone lock screen on iOS 26 to match your style CEO Tim Cook has told employees that Apple must "win in AI," calling it the biggest transformation in decades, saying, "This is sort of ours to grab. We will make the investment to do it," as quoted in the report. The company is also working on a redesigned Siri interface, AI-powered smart home devices like HomePod and Apple TV, and an expansion into AI-driven web search, as reported by Bloomberg. Apple has previously held talks with OpenAI and Anthropic and is now in discussions with Google about using a custom version of its Gemini platform to help power the new Siri, as per the report. ALSO READ: Ryder Cup 2025 opens with tragedy as Jake Knapp's girlfriend Makena White dies aged 28 The overhaul has also led to leadership shifts within Apple's AI division. John Giannandrea, who had been leading AI efforts, was sidelined earlier this year, while Robby Walker, who once oversaw Siri, will leave the company in October, according to Bloomberg. His newly formed AKI (Answers, Knowledge, and Information) team is now central to building AI-based search into the updated Siri, as per the report. When is the new Siri expected to launch? As early as March next year, according to Bloomberg. What is Apple's Veritas app? It's an internal ChatGPT-style app Apple is using to test new Siri features. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)

Apple's Hidden ChatGPT Rival Might Be The Key To Fixing Siri's Biggest Problems

Apple is not sitting idle while ChatGPT, Gemini, and other AI assistants dominate the industry, as a fresh report claims that the company has quietly built a ChatGPT-like app, codenamed Veritas, to test the future of Siri. Rather than being designed as a flashy public release, it serves as an internal tool for company engineers, giving them an open canvas to test and experiment with a smarter, more conversational assistant that could finally bridge Apple's gap in the industry. Bloomberg reports that Apple's broader ambition is clear - to turn Siri from a task-driven voice assistant into something that feels more natural, intelligent, and capable enough to handle complex conversations. Siri has lagged behind the industry for years, where it often stumbled with follow-up questions or failed to provide meaningful answers beyond simple commands like settings timers. With Veritas, Apple is essentially testing whether its large language model technology can provide the depth, reasoning, and contextual awareness that users have come to expect from ChatGPT, Gemini, and other AI tools. This overhaul is expected to be more than just a cosmetic refresh, as Apple is reportedly building Siri's foundations from scratch, leveraging its in-house AI models to handle open-ended queries, sustain longer conversations, and integrate more seamlessly with apps and services. However, the real question is if iPhone users will ever see the ChatGPT-like Veritas experiment for themselves. Bloomberg says that Apple has no plans to release the app as a standalone chatbot, since executives do not want to directly compete against the likes of ChatGPT and Gemini. Instead, the lessons Apple learns here will shape the Siri update expected to roll out next year potentially with iOS 26.4. In my view, Apple should release the app to the general public, as it will give users a sense of presence from the company in the AI industry and fix the damage that Apple Intelligence has caused over the past year. Moreover, Apple's in-house rendition of an AI chatbot will allow the company to move closer to its dreams of competing in the 'search' category. Offering external features is great, but the company must realize that users do crave and expect a dedicated chatbot from Apple, as it is far more useful in terms of productivity. If it all works out, Siri might finally grow beyond setting timers and become a genuinely conversational companion, one that does not feel like you're talking to a wall. Do you think Apple should release Veritas as a standalone AI chatbot, or keep it locked inside Siri?

Apple Trails Rivals with ChatGPT-Like Siri App Still in Testing | PYMNTS.com

According to Bloomberg, the software code-named Veritas, Latin for "truth," is meant for internal use, at least for now. Apple has no current plans to release it to consumers. The project further underscores Apple's late arrival in generative AI. OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google Gemini already power consumer-facing assistants, while Microsoft has embedded Copilot across Windows and Office and recently expanded it with Anthropic models. These products are live in the market, while Apple's ChatGPT-style app remains locked in a sandbox phase accessible only to employees. The cautious stance was evident at the iPhone 17 launch, where executives emphasized chip performance and design upgrades. AI features such as live translation in Messages, FaceTime, and visual recognition in Photos were mentioned briefly, but most had been previewed months earlier at Apple's developer conference. The shift marked a reversal from the iPhone 16 debut, when AI took center stage before delays slowed deployment. Apple's prolonged testing phase could leave it behind in shaping consumer expectations. A Bloomberg investigation noted Siri has already lost relevance, while Tokenist reported that Apple risks a "Nokia moment" if it fails to deliver robust AI features soon. By contrast, rivals are collecting vast consumer data from products already deployed at scale. If Apple keeps its most ambitious AI features in the testing stage for too long, competitors may set the standard for consumer-facing AI. Apple's internal app signals that the company recognizes the stakes, but by keeping it in testing while rivals scale, it risks being too late to redefine Siri's role in the generative AI race. Even without a consumer rollout, the internal app signals a new stage in Apple's push to rebuild Siri, a release seen as critical to changing perceptions of the company's AI strategy. After repeated delays, the upgraded Siri is now expected to launch as early as March. For all PYMNTS AI coverage, subscribe to the daily AI Newsletter.

Apple tests ChatGPT-like iPhone app Veritas ahead of Siri AI upgrade: Report

Apple has developed an internal ChatGPT-style iPhone app, code-named Veritas (Latin for "truth"), to test and refine a major overhaul of its Siri voice assistant, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The app is intended for internal use only, with no current plans for a public release. The Veritas app allows Apple employees to quickly evaluate new Siri features, including searching personal data such as emails and songs, performing in-app actions like editing photos, and managing extended conversations. It saves past chats, follows up on earlier queries, and functions as a testable chatbot for the upcoming Siri technology. The system behind the app, code-named Linwood, uses large language models, combining Apple's internal Foundation Models with a third-party AI model. Veritas provides a platform for gathering feedback on the usefulness of the chatbot format and the functionality of the new Siri. Apple CEO Tim Cook has emphasized AI as a major focus, calling it "the biggest transformation in decades" and stating, "This is sort of ours to grab. We will make the investment to do it." Beyond Siri, Apple is developing AI enhancements for HomePod, Apple TV, and AI-based web search. Earlier discussions included potential collaborations with OpenAI, Anthropic's Claude, and more recently, Google's Gemini platform. The Siri overhaul has faced multiple delays, originally scheduled for last spring. Engineering issues caused some features to fail up to a third of the time. These delays prompted management changes, including the departure of AI chief John Giannandrea and Siri overseer Robby Walker, who will leave Apple in October. Walker had previously launched the Answers, Knowledge, and Information (AKI) team, now central to AI-based search in the updated Siri. The upgraded Siri will allow users to act on information displayed on-screen, navigate devices more efficiently, and access AI-driven search features within the assistant. Veritas enables testers to summarize information from the internet and interact with multiple topics across conversations. The new Siri is now expected to launch as early as March next year. Success could mark a significant AI comeback for Apple, while failure may allow rivals such as Google and Samsung to gain an advantage. Veritas remains an internal tool, but signals a major step in Apple's AI plans. The company aims to integrate ChatGPT-style capabilities within Siri while maintaining control over the user experience, refining AI-driven tasks, and expanding the assistant's functionality across Apple devices.

Apple Prepares First M5 MacBook Pro as Siri Revamp Nears

The software is powered by the latest chips from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm. Analysts anticipate better multitasking, graphics performance, and power management. The Mac updates arrive as the tech giant doubles down on artificial intelligence. The company's Apple Intelligence platform, introduced last year, vowed to integrate AI deeply into all of its devices. This modification was criticized as it did not match the conversational capabilities of competitors like or Google's Gemini. To solve that, Apple is busy with a complete Siri upgrade, codenamed Project Linwood, due sometime around March 2026. The improved AI model will be capable of performing web searches, referencing on-device data, and even fully controlling an iPhone via voice. Staff are already beta-testing an in-house chatbot app called Veritas, though Apple has no intention of making it available to the public.

Apple develops ChatGPT-like app to test Siri overhaul - Bloomberg By Investing.com

Investing.com -- Apple Inc. has created an internal ChatGPT-style iPhone app to test features for a major Siri redesign planned for next year. The app, code-named "Veritas" (Latin for "truth"), is being used by Apple's AI division to evaluate new capabilities for its voice assistant, including searching through personal data like songs and emails, and performing actions within apps such as photo editing. According to a report from Bloomberg News, citing people familiar with the matter, the tool is designed exclusively for internal testing and Apple currently has no plans to release it to consumers. The app takes technology from the upcoming Siri update and presents it in a format that allows employees to test it more efficiently while gathering feedback on the chatbot approach. This internal testing represents a significant step in Apple's preparation for the Siri overhaul, which could substantially impact perceptions of the company's AI capabilities. After multiple delays, the redesigned Siri is now expected to launch as early as March. This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Apple testing revamped Siri with ChatGPT-like internal app: Report

Apple is expected to debut the new Siri as early as March next year, Apple has reportedly developed an internal ChatGPT-like iPhone app to help test the much-awaited Siri AI upgrade. The app, code-named Veritas (Latin for "truth"), is currently for internal use only and won't be released to the public, according to Bloomberg. The purpose of Veritas is to let Apple employees try out new Siri features more efficiently. The app can search personal data, like emails and songs, and perform tasks within apps, such as editing photos. It also supports multiple conversations, can remember past chats, and allows extended back-and-forth interactions, similar to popular chatbots. The new Siri will likely interact with information shown on a user's screen, something the assistant cannot do at present. Also read: WhatsApp alternative Arattai is number 1 on App Store: What is it and how it works According to the report, Veritas is designed to test a new underlying system, code-named Linwood, that the tech giant is using to power the new Siri. Apple combines its own AI work with third-party models for this system. Apple is expected to debut the new Siri as early as March next year, after multiple delays. The overhaul was initially scheduled for last spring but was postponed due to engineering problems. The internal app marks a significant step in Apple's push to compete with AI offerings like ChatGPT and Perplexity, keeping Siri at the center of the experience. Also read: Nothing Phone 3a available for under Rs 21,500 during Flipkart Big Billion Days sale The tech giant is also reportedly redesigning Siri's visual interface and working on a range of AI-powered smart home devices. Earlier this year, the company explored partnerships with OpenAI and Anthropic for AI models, and more recently has discussed using Google's Gemini platform.