Apple is set to revamp Siri in iOS 27 by introducing a chatbot-style interface alongside privacy-first features that allow users to set automatic deletion of AI chats, marking a major shift in the assistant's design and data handling.
- Siri gains dedicated chatbot interface and context memory in iOS 27
- Users can auto-delete conversations after 30 days, 1 year, or keep permanently
- Apple balances AI progress with robust privacy controls and on-device processing
What happened
Apple plans a major overhaul of Siri with the release of iOS 27, introducing a standalone app version designed to provide a more interactive, chatbot-style experience. Unlike the current voice-only assistant, the new Siri will remember previous interactions and enable users to switch between traditional search queries and AI-driven conversations using a new 'Search or Ask' mode.
A significant privacy feature is the ability for users to automatically delete their Siri conversations after specified durations of 30 days or one year, or retain them indefinitely. This auto-delete function is integrated as a core setting, reflecting Apple’s emphasis on privacy and user data control.
Why it matters
Apple’s refreshed Siri marks a deliberate move to compete with advanced AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini infrastructure while maintaining a unique stance on privacy. By embedding strict limits on memory retention and prioritizing on-device processing, Apple aims to offer a safer AI assistant that respects user data more than many rivals that retain extensive logs for model training and personalization.
This approach highlights Apple’s balancing act between accelerating its AI capabilities and preserving its longstanding reputation for protecting user privacy. Integrating auto-delete options directly into Siri’s core not only enhances user trust but also differentiates Apple in an increasingly competitive AI assistant market.
What to watch next
More details about the Siri redesign and iOS 27 are expected during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Early access to the updated assistant may be offered in beta, allowing users and developers to explore the new conversational AI capabilities and privacy features.
Observers should watch how the integration of Google’s Gemini AI infrastructure impacts Siri’s performance and whether Apple can maintain its privacy commitments while relying on external AI technology. The execution of automatic deletion controls will also be critical in setting user expectations for data privacy in future AI interactions.