Apple's long-promised revamp of Siri is finally available to the general public through the iOS 27 public beta. Called Siri AI, the overhaul expands beyond voice controls to include a chatbot-style app and tighter integration with the iPhone experience, according to a WIRED hands-on review.
"They've integrated it across the entire ecosystem, so you can access Siri AI no matter where you are on the device," said Nabila Popal, a senior research director at International Data Corporation (IDC) who focuses on consumer devices. "You can talk to it. You can also access it via an app. So, the accessibility of Siri AI and its integration across the operating system were really well done." Popal noted that users who rarely used the previous Siri might find new value.
New Chatbot-Style App
One of the most noticeable changes is a new app that serves as an interaction log, where users can track past Siri chats or resume previous threads. While it resembles chatbots like ChatGPT or Claude, the beta app lacks a memory feature to store user preferences. "You'll have to keep reminding Siri AI that you're vegan when you ask for help finding recipes," the review noted. Apple is expected to add capabilities over time.
The app can be found after downloading the public beta and signing up for a Siri waitlist in settings. Users will receive a notification when access is granted. Chats can be set to delete after 30 days, one year, or forever via the Keep Conversations tab.
Personal Context Through Indexing
Even after getting access, users may need to wait for a process called indexing to complete. This allows Siri AI to access personal context from the device. "Siri AI has access to the kind of context that things like ChatGPT and Claude can't easily have, because Siri is cooked into the operating system," said Josh Clark, principal at digital-design agency Big Medium and co-author of Sentient Design: Crafting Intelligent, according to WIRED.
Indexing enables Siri to find old vacation photos, send quick texts, and recommend local restaurants from basic prompts. The reviewer found it generally helpful, though not flawless.
Availability and Role
Siri AI is available as part of the iOS 27 public beta through the Apple Beta Software Program. The reviewer used an iPhone 16 Pro Max with developer betas without issues, but recommends backing up devices before installing beta software. Siri can still be turned off if users are not interested, but the overhaul may convince some to rethink how they interact with their iPhones.
The new Siri feels like part of the smartphone's infrastructure, according to Popal. The assistant is built into the iPhone's search functionality, reducing the need to start new chats in the app. While the beta lacks some advanced chatbot features, it marks a significant step forward for Apple's voice assistant strategy.
For technology leaders, Siri AI demonstrates how deep OS integration and on-device indexing can create a more personalized user experience. The approach contrasts with cloud-dependent chatbots by leveraging local data without sending it to external servers, a model that may appeal to enterprise users concerned about privacy.
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