Apple Plans Major Visual Overhaul for Siri with AI Upgrades and Animated Personality

Apple plans to give Siri a visual overhaul, with a new personality inspired by the Finder icon, starting with the 2026 HomePad/HomePod Touch device and potentially arriving as early as next year. The updated Siri will be a key part of Apple's forthcoming tabletop robot, acting as a virtual companion to engage in conversations and provide information. The AI upgrades for Siri are still in development, and it's unclear if the name will stick with the new design.

Apple is set to give its digital assistant, Siri, a significant visual overhaul, with a new personality inspired by the Finder icon. This update is slated to debut in the 2026 HomePad/HomePod Touch device and may arrive as early as next year [1]. The new Siri will be a key component of Apple's forthcoming tabletop robot, acting as a virtual companion for conversations and information provision [2].

The AI upgrades for Siri are still in development, and it remains unclear if the name will stick with the new design. The enhancements are part of a broader effort to bring Apple's digital assistant up to speed with rivals, following years of lagging behind in the field [1]. The new Siri will be able to handle considerably more tasks on a user's behalf, thanks to App Intents, which will allow it to control other apps directly [1].

The upgrades include a new LLM-based architecture, which will enable Siri to operate apps like a user would, without lifting a finger. This will provide a voice-first interface for Apple's ecosystem, potentially making it a hit with users [2]. The new capabilities are expected to expose the heightened importance of user privacy, as Apple has always been committed to protecting user data [2].

Apple has reportedly pushed back the release of its smart home hardware, including the HomePad/HomePod Touch, until 2026 due to Siri issues. However, with the company's redoubled efforts to improve Siri, it is hoped that this delay will not be extended further [1].

The new Siri will also be a significant part of Apple's tabletop robot, which is targeted for release in 2027. This robot will resemble an iPad mounted on a movable limb, allowing it to follow users in a room [2]. The robot will be equipped with a lifelike version of Siri, which will engage in conversations and provide information to users.

The upcoming upgrades to Siri are expected to be a significant improvement over the current version. The new capabilities, such as App Intents and the LLM-based architecture, will allow Siri to do much more with voice commands than it currently can [1]. This will make Siri a more useful and powerful tool for Apple users, potentially giving the company a competitive edge in the smart home market.

In conclusion, Apple's upcoming Siri upgrades are a significant development for the company and its users. The visual overhaul and integration into home devices, along with the AI upgrades, are expected to make Siri a more capable and useful tool. The new capabilities, such as App Intents and the LLM-based architecture, will allow Siri to do much more with voice commands than it currently can. The new Siri will be a key part of Apple's forthcoming tabletop robot, acting as a virtual companion for conversations and information provision. The upgrades are expected to be a significant improvement over the current version of Siri, potentially giving Apple a competitive edge in the smart home market.

References:
[1] https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/08/10/new-siris-app-intents-will-make-or-break-apples-home-hub
[2] https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/12/next-years-siri-revamp-sounds-like-it-could-truly-be-worth-the-wait/