Apple is preparing to release a dedicated Siri app with its next major iOS update, marking a significant shift in how users interact with the company’s smart assistant. Currently, Siri is activated through voice commands or a button press, but has never existed as a distinct application. This change, first reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, will bring Siri in line with popular chatbot interfaces like ChatGPT and Claude.
The Evolution of Siri: From Assistant to App
For years, Siri has been embedded within Apple’s operating system rather than existing as a standalone program. The upcoming “Campo” project, as it’s internally called, will allow users to engage in continuous text and voice conversations with Siri, similar to how they use competing chatbots.
This is a key difference: the new Siri will remember context across multiple interactions, enabling a more natural and fluid experience.
Enhanced Data Access and Integration
The standalone Siri app will also have access to user’s personal data – including messages, emails, and notes – to better fulfill requests. This feature will allow Siri to complete tasks within other apps, search the web, and provide up-to-date information.
This is a notable departure from Apple’s traditional privacy stance, though the company has not yet detailed how user data will be managed within the new system.
Competitive Pressure Drives Change
Apple’s decision to develop a standalone Siri app reportedly came after initially planning to integrate the assistant more deeply into existing services. However, the surging popularity of chatbot apps from Google, Samsung, and others prompted a reassessment.
The move suggests that Apple is responding to market trends, rather than dictating them. The company’s announcement at WWDC on June 8 is expected to reveal further details about its AI advancements across Apple platforms.
The release of a standalone Siri app marks a major evolution for the assistant, positioning it as a direct competitor in the rapidly growing chatbot market. This shift indicates Apple is adapting to user demand, even if it means altering its core approach to software integration.
