https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/21/apple-plans-to-make-siri-an-ai-chatbot-report-says/
TL;DR: Apple is shifting its strategy: instead of incremental AI integration into apps, the company is preparing a full-fledged conversational Siri chatbot (Project Campos) for WWDC 2026 and developing a wearable AI device in the form of a pin with cameras and microphones. Meanwhile, a partnership with Google has been confirmed to use Gemini models in future Apple Intelligence features.
Siri Becomes a Chatbot
- Apple plans to turn Siri into a conversational chatbot (ChatGPT-style) under the internal code name Campos. This could be the centerpiece of WWDC in June 2026 as part of iOS 27 TechCrunch.
- Shift in course: while in 2025 Apple focused on integrating AI into specific tasks within apps Tom’s Guide, the company now seems to recognize the need for a standalone chatbot interface under pressure from competitors.
AI Wearable Device (Pin)
- Apple is developing a gadget pin that clips onto clothing. The device, slightly larger than an AirTag, is equipped with two cameras, three microphones, and a speaker TechCrunch.
- Timeline and risks: a release is possible in 2027, but the project is in early stages and could be canceled. This is a direct response to rumors of AI hardware development from OpenAI Axios.
Official Partnership with Google
- Apple and Google confirmed a multi-year collaboration: future Apple “foundation models” will be based on Google Gemini.
- Privacy: Apple will continue to use its Private Cloud Compute approach — data for cloud computing is not stored and is available for independent verification.
Context and Insights
- AI Hardware is the new arena: after the failures of early AI pins (Humane), Apple and OpenAI Axios are preparing their versions, betting on “eyes and ears” for AI.
- Two-step move: first, a software update for Siri (2026), then specialized hardware (2027) where this “brain” will be especially in demand.
- Hybrid bet: combining in-house privacy-focused developments (on-device) with powerful external models (Gemini) to accelerate progress Reuters.