Apple is making a big move into artificial intelligence by creating its own chatbot similar to ChatGPT. This bot aims to enhance iPhone support and broaden Apple’s AI capabilities. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple has formed a new group called the “Answers, Knowledge and Information” team, or AKI. This team is developing an “answer engine” that can search the internet to provide answers to general questions.
While companies like OpenAI and Google have quickly advanced in AI, Apple has taken a slower approach. So far, Apple has not launched its own chatbot, instead working with OpenAI to incorporate ChatGPT into Siri. However, with the launch of AKI, Apple is changing its strategy and preparing to transform how AI interacts with users on its devices.
The AKI team, led by senior director Robby Walker, reports to Apple’s AI chief, John Giannandrea. They are working on a new app and improving the backend of Apple’s existing services like Siri, Spotlight, and Safari. Apple is hiring more engineers skilled in search technology, indicating a broad vision for AI improvements beyond basic enhancements.
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, is now focusing heavily on AI. During a recent company-wide meeting, he emphasized the importance of embracing AI, comparing it to major tech shifts like the internet and smartphones. Cook expressed that Apple intends to lead in this new AI era.
Initially, Apple considered combining Siri’s current features with large language models, but this didn’t meet their quality standards. Craig Federighi, Apple’s software head, admitted this approach fell short. Consequently, Apple is rebuilding Siri from scratch. Mike Rockwell, known for his work on the Vision Pro headset, is leading this project, with the updated Siri expected to launch in spring 2026.
Apple faces pressure as its $20 billion deal with Google to be the default iPhone search engine is under antitrust investigation. Additionally, Apple’s new AI tools, known as Apple Intelligence, lack the conversational abilities of platforms like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.
Creating an in-house answer engine gives Apple both technical control and strategic freedom. Whether it appears as a standalone tool or integrates into Siri and Safari, this move shows Apple’s desire to innovate in AI without relying on other companies.
With the AKI team and a renewed focus on AI, Apple is poised to shape the future of consumer AI according to its own vision.
