Apples AI Push: Siri and ChatGPT Rival
Apple is reportedly undertaking a significant overhaul of its virtual assistant, Siri, leveraging large language models (LLMs) to enhance its conversational abilities and reasoning capabilities. This initiative involves the internal testing of multiple LLMs with varying complexities, ranging from 3 billion to a substantial 150 billion parameters. The largest model, relying on cloud infrastructure, demonstrates a significant power increase compared to the on-device Apple Intelligence, which currently utilizes a 3-billion-parameter model.
Internal Testing and Challenges
Utilizing an internal testing tool named "Playground," Apple has conducted benchmarks suggesting the 150-billion parameter model approaches the quality of recent ChatGPT releases. However, concerns remain regarding its propensity for generating inaccurate information, often referred to as "hallucinations." Further complicating matters are reported "philosophical differences" among company executives regarding the project's direction.
Architectural Overhaul and New Features
Apple's efforts extend beyond improving Siri's core functionality. The company is developing a new software architecture for Siri, which is expected to replace the current "hybrid" system known for its inconsistencies. Additionally, an internal chatbot project, codenamed "Knowledge," is under development. This chatbot will have the ability to access and synthesize data from various internet sources, a potentially transformative addition to Siri's capabilities. However, this project, like the Siri overhaul, has reportedly faced significant delays.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Outlook
While the timeline for these technological implementations remains unclear, the integration of Google's Gemini and potential future collaborations with companies like Perplexity suggest a broader strategy to incorporate diverse AI capabilities into Apple's ecosystem. This strategic approach, involving both internal development and external partnerships, indicates Apple's commitment to staying at the forefront of the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Source: Mac Rumors