Apple Prepares AI Search Tool as Part of Siri Relaunch

Apple is working^[1] on a new artificial intelligence search system that is expected to play a central role in its planned overhaul of Siri. The platform, which is being developed under the internal name World Knowledge Answers, is scheduled for release in 2026 alongside broader upgrades to Apple’s voice assistant.

Built for Siri, Safari, and Spotlight

The new tool is designed to expand Siri from a basic fact-checking feature into a system that can generate answers in richer formats. Instead of offering short responses, it will combine text with images, video, and local information, drawing on large language models to produce results that resemble the AI-generated summaries already seen from Google, Microsoft, and newer platforms such as Perplexity. Apple is also preparing to integrate the technology into Safari and Spotlight, which would give it wider reach across iPhones and other devices.

Testing External AI Models

Although Apple is creating its own tool, reports indicate that the company has trialed Google’s Gemini model to support elements of the experience. The final design is still being refined, and it remains unclear how much of the system will rely on Apple’s own models compared with outside partnerships. Apple has also been open to acquisitions in this area, with speculation linking it to potential interest in smaller AI search companies.

Siri’s New Role

The relaunch will mark one of the biggest changes to Siri since its introduction. Apple’s plan is to shift the assistant into what it calls an answer engine, capable of pulling data from across the web while presenting results in a more conversational way. Additional features, such as planning tools and summarization options, are expected to make interactions more useful and precise. A chatbot-style app was reportedly considered but has not been prioritized, with Apple instead embedding the functions within its existing apps and services.

Competing in a Crowded Market

Historically, Apple has not positioned itself as a direct player in web search, instead relying on partnerships to handle that function. The rise of AI-driven tools has shifted that approach. With Safari integration, Apple could bring search more directly under its control while offering users an alternative to rival platforms. The move reflects broader changes in how people are accessing information online, where AI systems increasingly guide search and browsing.

The success of World Knowledge Answers could determine how competitive Apple becomes against established search providers and new AI entrants. For businesses, the change could also alter how visibility is achieved, with placement inside Apple’s system becoming as significant as traditional search rankings.

Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.

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