iOS 18 to Enable Enhanced App Control Via Siri [Report]

Apple is planning to update iOS 18 with new AI that will allow Siri to control individual app functions, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The change is enabled by a revamp of Siri's underlying software using large language models.

Siri Shortcuts lets users manually create commands to control some app features; however, the new capabilities will go further. Apple will purportedly use AI to analyze what users are doing and automatically enable Siri-controlled features. Initially it will be limited to Apple's own apps, but it will support hundreds of different commands.

At the start, the new Siri will handle one command at a time, but Apple has plans to to allow users to chain commands together. For example, they could ask Siri to summarize a recorded meeting and then text it to a colleague in one request. Or an iPhone could theoretically be asked to crop a picture and then email it to a friend. A major component of the new push is a system that will use AI to automatically determine if a function should be handled on the device or via the cloud.


While users may be concerned about a cloud-based approach, their information will be protected by the 'Secure Enclave' in Apple's high-end Mac chips powering the cloud servers. To alleviate these concerns, Apple will create an 'intelligence report' that explains how information is secured. Additionally, the company won't build profiles of customers, unlike rivals Google and Meta.

Bloomberg says other AI features coming to iOS 18 include voice memo transcriptions and summaries, quick recaps of websites and notifications, automated message replies, advanced photo editing, and AI-generated emojis.

Apple will unveil iOS 18 at WWDC 2024 next month. Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for full coverage!