Apple is developing an AI-powered web search tool internally codenamed World Knowledge Answers, designed to transform Siri into a more intelligent “answer engine” that delivers quick, multimodal summaries (including text, images, videos, and local results) from web data. This move positions Apple to directly compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Perplexity AI by enhancing Siri’s ability to handle complex queries beyond basic fact-checking, similar to Google’s AI Overviews.Timeline and IntegrationLaunch Date: Expected in spring 2026 as part of a major Siri overhaul in iOS 26.4 (or equivalent updates for iPadOS and macOS).
Initial Rollout: Debuts within Siri, with plans to expand to Safari browser and Spotlight (iPhone home screen search).
This is a shift from Apple’s earlier reliance on partnerships, like its temporary integration with OpenAI for iOS 18 features.
How It WorksThe system features three core components:Planner: Interprets user voice or text input to determine the best response approach.
Search System: Scans the web or personal user data for relevant information.
Summarizer: Compiles results into concise, conversational answers.
Apple emphasizes privacy, running the tool on its Private Cloud Compute servers. In a notable pivot, the company is exploring third-party AI models under a project called Glenwood—moving away from fully in-house tech.Partnerships and CompetitorsGoogle Collaboration: Apple has reached a formal agreement to use a custom-built Google Gemini model for the summarizer component, with ongoing fine-tuning. This builds on their existing $20 billion annual search deal, which a U.S. judge recently upheld.
Other Options Evaluated: Apple considered Anthropic’s Claude (discarded due to a $1.5 billion/year demand) and Perplexity’s tech over the summer but is no longer pursuing those.
Rivals: Targets OpenAI and Perplexity for conversational search, while addressing Siri’s long-standing lag in AI capabilities since its 2011 debut.
Broader Context and ChallengesThis initiative stems from a new “Answers, Knowledge and Information” team formed earlier in 2025 to build a lightweight ChatGPT rival, reducing dependence on Google Search. However, Apple faces hurdles: Its Foundation Models team has lost key talent, including leader Ruoming Pang to Meta (with a $200M+ package) and others to OpenAI and Anthropic. Investors have pressured CEO Tim Cook to accelerate AI efforts amid competition from Google, Meta, and OpenAI.The announcement boosted Apple’s stock by 3.8% to $238.47 on September 4, 2025, signaling market optimism.
