Apple Debuts Siri AI with Gemini and Boosts App Speeds by 30–80%
AAPL•At WWDC, Apple unveiled Siri AI powered by Apple Intelligence and Google’s Gemini models, enabling natural, context-aware conversations and surfacing on-device data across iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and Vision Pro. System-wide AI upgrades boost app launch speeds by up to 30%, photo loading by 70% and AirDrop transfers by 80%, while requiring iPhone 15 Pro or later and setting up a fall foldable iPhone release.
1. AI Strategy and WWDC Reset
At the annual Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple presented a refreshed AI strategy focused on practical, ecosystem-wide enhancements after earlier Apple Intelligence efforts underperformed expectations. The keynote, lasting 80 minutes, emphasized integrating AI into core apps rather than promising a single breakthrough.
2. Siri AI Powered by Gemini
The new Siri AI leverages Apple Intelligence and Google’s Gemini models to enable natural, back-and-forth dialogue with screen awareness and deep context extraction from emails, photos, searches and on-device data. Siri AI will launch in English first, with developer access immediately and a consumer beta expected later this year, subject to regulatory approvals in the EU and China.
3. System-Wide Performance Boosts
Apple announced AI-driven speed improvements: up to 30% faster app launches on iPhone, 70% faster new photo display and 80% quicker AirDrop transfers, alongside enhancements to Messages, Mail, Calendar, Safari, Home, Shortcuts, Photos, Camera and Passwords. These optimizations require Apple Intelligence–compatible hardware, starting with the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models.
4. Hardware-Cycle Implications
By embedding AI at the OS level and restricting key features to newer devices, Apple is laying groundwork for upcoming hardware, including a first-ever foldable iPhone expected this fall. The strategy aims to encourage upgrades, strengthen ecosystem lock-in and drive demand for future device launches.
