Next month at WWDC 2026, Apple is expected to finally deliver on its long-promised AI-powered Siri enhancements. The company has been developing a new standalone Siri application aimed at transforming how users interact with the assistant and Apple Intelligence as a whole. According to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the app will debut in beta form at the conference, with a public release likely in the fall alongside iOS 27.
The most notable feature of the revamped Siri app is its auto-deleting chat history, a privacy measure similar to what is already available in the Messages app. Users will be able to set conversations to automatically delete after 30 days, one year, or keep them indefinitely. This aligns with Apple's broader push to differentiate itself on privacy, especially as it integrates third-party AI models.
Apple has reportedly partnered with Google to use Gemini models to power Siri's new capabilities. However, rather than sending data directly to Google, Apple will run these models on its own private cloud computing servers. This architecture ensures that user conversations are not used for model training by Google, though some technical details remain unclear. The move underscores Apple's attempt to balance cutting-edge AI with its core privacy ethos.
The standalone Siri app will offer multiple interface options. Users can open directly to a new conversation view reminiscent of ChatGPT, or choose a Messages-style list of past conversations. The app will support not only voice conversations but also text-based chats, file uploads, and a universal gesture to initiate a new Siri interaction. This redesign is expected to make Siri feel more like a dedicated, full-featured assistant rather than a simple voice command tool.
Another key aspect is the beta label. Apple has often shipped major new features as betas, as seen with Apple Intelligence in iOS 18. The company plans to apply this approach to the new Siri app, even after the public release of iOS 27. Users will be able to toggle the beta experience on or off, though it is unclear whether this opt-out will be independent of the existing Apple Intelligence toggle. Some observers have expressed a desire for more granular control over individual Apple Intelligence features rather than a single master switch.
The debut comes after a two-year delay; the revamped Siri was originally slated for 2024. Despite the wait, Apple is expected to position the new app as a competitive alternative to chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Assistant. The integration of Gemini models should significantly improve Siri's ability to handle complex queries and generate context-aware responses. Early test versions of iOS 27 reportedly already include the beta label and the opt-out toggle.
Privacy remains a central theme. The auto-deleting chat history feature gives users full control over their data footprint. Additionally, Apple's private cloud compute servers mean that conversation data processed via Gemini models remains on Apple's infrastructure, reducing exposure to third parties. This approach mirrors Apple's handling of on-device processing for earlier AI features, extending the same philosophy to cloud-based AI.
The new Siri app is expected to roll out with iOS 27, which will be announced at WWDC 2026. Developer betas will begin immediately after the keynote, with public betas following in July. The final release will likely ship in September alongside new iPhone models. Apple has not yet commented on the report, but the details align with previous rumors and the company's stated focus on AI.
For users who have been waiting for a more capable Siri, the standalone app represents a significant step forward. The combination of improved intelligence, privacy protections, and flexible interface options could make Siri a more compelling choice in the crowded assistant market. However, the beta label suggests that Apple still considers the feature a work in progress, and users may encounter occasional inconsistencies as the technology matures.
In addition to the new app, Apple is also working on other AI-driven features for iOS 27, including enhanced notification summaries, smarter photo editing tools, and deeper integration with third-party apps. The Siri app is just one part of a broader strategy to embed AI across the operating system. As WWDC approaches, more details are expected to emerge about how Apple plans to compete in the generative AI space without compromising its privacy principles.
The auto-deleting chat history option will likely be set to a default of 30 days to encourage regular data cleanup, though users can adjust it in settings. This mirrors the approach in Messages and reflects a growing industry trend toward ephemeral communication. Apple's implementation may set a precedent for how other AI assistants handle conversation retention.
Are you excited for the new Siri debut next month? Let us know in the comments.
Source: 9to5Mac News