Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is fast approaching, set for June 9th, 2025. As always, the tech world is brimming with anticipation, particularly for the major software updates coming from Apple. This year, iOS 19 is expected to take center stage with a refreshed look and several exciting enhancements. Among the most talked-about features are the advancements in Apple’s artificial intelligence (AI) offerings, especially with Siri. Let’s dive into what Apple has planned for Siri and Apple Intelligence in iOS 19, with a focus on the delayed features and new integrations.
Siri Gets Smarter: Delayed Features Finally Arrive
One of the biggest updates to Siri in iOS 19 involves the long-awaited rollouts of features that were originally promised in iOS 18.4. These features—personal context, on-screen awareness, and action-taking in apps—were initially slated for release earlier this year but were delayed for further refinement. With iOS 19, Apple is set to reintroduce them, providing users with a more intuitive and capable virtual assistant.
Personal Context: Siri Learns More About You
The personal context feature is designed to make Siri more attuned to your needs and habits. This upgrade would allow Siri to understand who you are, what you’re doing, and even anticipate actions based on your typical routines. Imagine Siri knowing when it’s time to set your alarm or suggesting an app based on your usual activities. This personalization would be a game-changer, offering a truly tailored assistant experience.
On-Screen Awareness: A Smarter Siri
On-screen awareness is another feature that will enhance Siri’s functionality. With this capability, Siri can “see” what’s on your device’s screen and adapt its responses accordingly. Whether you’re reading a news article or using a map app, Siri will be able to offer more contextual and relevant responses. This would take Siri from a basic assistant to a highly interactive tool that can dynamically adjust its behavior based on what you’re doing on your phone.
Taking Action in Apps: Siri Does More for You
Taking action in apps will allow Siri to go beyond just answering questions and set reminders. With this upgrade, Siri will be able to execute tasks within apps on your behalf. Whether it’s sending a message, playing a song, or even adjusting settings, Siri’s ability to take action directly in apps would make it feel less like a voice command tool and more like an intelligent digital assistant.
Apple hasn’t given a specific timeline for the release of these features, but they are expected to arrive with iOS 19. If not, they may appear in a subsequent update later this fall or winter. Regardless, the arrival of these features will significantly enhance the overall Siri experience.
LLM Siri: A Major Backend Overhaul
One of the most significant developments in iOS 19 will be the introduction of a new Siri backend, known internally as “LLM Siri.” This new architecture will address some of the current shortcomings of Siri, enabling a smoother and more integrated experience. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has reported that iOS 19 will feature the LLM Siri backend, which is designed to unify Siri’s two current systems.
Currently, Siri operates with two separate backends: a legacy one for simple tasks and a modern one for more complex requests. This dual system can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in performance. By merging these two backends, Apple aims to create a more cohesive Siri experience. While users won’t see dramatic changes in terms of new features with iOS 19, the groundwork will be laid for more advanced capabilities in future updates.
What LLM Siri Means for the Future
The full potential of LLM Siri won’t be realized until iOS 20, when the conversational aspect of the system is expected to be introduced. This will allow Siri to hold more natural and fluid conversations with users, marking a significant leap forward for Apple’s voice assistant. For now, iOS 19 will focus on stabilizing the backend and preparing it for future enhancements.
Expanding Apple Intelligence: More Apps, More Features
While iOS 19 may not introduce groundbreaking new AI features, Apple is reportedly expanding the reach of its existing Apple Intelligence capabilities. Features such as Image Playground, Genmoji, and the summarization tools seen in previous updates are expected to be available in more apps. This could mean a broader integration of Apple’s AI technology, allowing users to experience smarter interactions across various applications.
What’s Next for Apple Intelligence?
While there’s little expectation of entirely new AI tools in iOS 19, Apple’s efforts to integrate existing features into more apps will help solidify its AI ecosystem. The move to expand Apple Intelligence across more applications signals a commitment to making its suite of AI tools more useful and accessible to users. Whether it’s enhancing photo editing tools or offering smarter text summaries, these incremental updates will make Apple’s AI even more integral to the user experience.
What Does This Mean for iPhone Users?
For iPhone users, iOS 19 promises to be an exciting update, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence. With Siri getting smarter, more responsive, and better integrated across apps, the iPhone experience will become increasingly seamless and personalized. While some of the most exciting features may be delayed until later updates, the groundwork laid in iOS 19 will set the stage for a more advanced and intuitive Siri in the future.
As WWDC 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Apple’s announcements regarding Siri and AI. The innovations coming to iOS 19 may not be as flashy as new hardware, but for anyone who uses Siri regularly, these updates will be a welcome improvement, making the iPhone feel even more intelligent and in tune with your needs.