Hey Siri fans, some interesting rumors about potential iPhone 16 upgrades to prep for a new AI-powered Siri.
Respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says his supply chain checks show all iPhone 16 models will get a big microphone upgrade. Specifically better signal-to-noise ratio to significantly improve Siri.
Kuo thinks this means Apple will pack more AI capabilities into Siri as a key selling point for iPhone 16. This fits with earlier leaks about Apple using large language models to make Siri the “ultimate assistant”.
On-device AI is shaping up to be the next big smartphone battleground in 2024. Google’s Pixel 8 Pro already got some AI-powered features. And Samsung’s Galaxy S24 next month may be its first “AI phone”.
So Apple needs to step up Siri to compete. The new mic would help with reliability. But older iPhones may not get the full benefit of a next-gen Siri.
The iPhone 16 will likely have the latest Apple silicon which, along with the mic and other hardware, could make it the only way to experience Apple’s upcoming AI gains.
That would give Apple a new reason to convince us to upgrade each year. With smartphone sales declining, AI differentiation is important.
We don’t know exactly what AI features are coming. But the Pixel 8 Pro’s recent update gives a glimpse. Either way, sounds like the iPhone 16 may usher in a major Siri overhaul. We’ll see what Apple has cooking at WWDC 2024!
