It is rumored that Apple is harnessing the capabilities of generative AI to build a new “personality” that could live inside future robotic devices, potentially similar to Siri’s current functions on the iPhone.
This is stated by Mark Gurman in Bloomberg, one of the most reliable journalists when it comes to Apple’s future products. Gurman has previously spoken about Apple’s plans for the home robot, and now he has added more details about a possible AI assistant.
“While Siri is the digital assistant on current Apple devices, the company is working on another human-like interface based on generative AI,” writes Gurman. “It could work on desktop products and other future robotic devices from Apple, according to what I have been told.”
Apple wants that desktop robot to cost less than $1,000, according to Gurman. However, these robotic devices are still in the early stages of development, and there are no guarantees that they will see the light of day.
Apple Intelligence everywhere
A vital piece of Apple’s robotic work is the creation of a personality. Although Siri is the digital assistant for Apple’s current devices, the company is working on another interface similar to a human-based on GenAI. It could work on the tablet and other future robotic devices from Apple.
What we do know for sure is that Apple is making a lot of noise about Apple Intelligence, the set of generative AI features that will arrive on iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers later this year, along with other important software updates.
Given that Apple has already fully embraced next-generation AI, it makes sense that they are working on a project like a new robotic personality that is more capable and more natural in conversation than Siri is right now.
That being said, we know that a large part of Apple’s generative artificial intelligence will be based on ChatGPT, at least for now. It is clear that Apple has to catch up in this field before launching its own generative AI chatbot.
Gurman himself states that Apple’s work in robotics is “very promising,” although he also admits that it is “unclear” to what extent Apple is committed to launching a real domestic robot.
