[DigitalToday reporter Yoonseo Lee] The iPhone is set to incorporate Google’s generative AI, Gemini, and be reborn as a conversational assistant. Apple has recently signalled it will significantly strengthen Siri’s intelligence through cooperation with Google, and 8 key AI features to be applied to the iPhone soon have taken shape.

On Jan. 20 local time, IT outlet 9to5Mac, citing a report by The Information, introduced 8 major functions of a new Siri that will run on the Google Gemini model.

First, “emotional support” for users will be greatly enhanced. If a user says, “I’m lonely,” or “I’m discouraged,” Siri will be able to offer comfort and empathy suited to the situation instead of a mechanical reply.

Second, the accuracy and naturalness of information will improve. Like ChatGPT or the Gemini chatbot, it is expected to provide more accurate world knowledge based on vast data and deliver answers that feel like talking to a person rather than a machine. This is a key change aimed at overcoming Siri’s limitation of providing only short, simple information.

Third, it will also gain creative capabilities. A feature will be added in the Apple Notes app to automatically write or summarise documents on specific topics a user wants. This is expected to greatly increase how useful the iPhone is as a productivity tool.

Fourth, its role as a personal assistant will become more concrete. Siri will be able to carry out personal tasks that require complex steps, such as booking travel. It will be a one-stop solution as AI handles the hassle of users moving between multiple apps to make reservations themselves.

Fifth, its ability to respond appropriately by grasping context in ambiguous situations, where a user’s question or request is not clear, will be dramatically improved. Even if users cannot remember specific commands, Siri will be able to infer intent and continue tasks naturally.

Sixth, a “storytelling” function that tells users stories is also set to be added.

Seventh, Siri will remember “past conversations” with users, giving it continuity in communication. It will be able to provide more personalised answers by using previous chats as context, removing the need to start a new conversation every time.

Finally, eighth, it is set to offer “proactive recommendations” that act before a user asks, such as suggesting the best time to leave to pick up a friend by checking traffic conditions in advance.

This update is expected to be a turning point that quickly boosts Siri’s competitiveness, after it was seen as lagging rivals. The industry is watching how the synergy between Apple’s strong hardware ecosystem and Google’s advanced AI technology will innovate the iPhone user experience. The functions are expected to be applied in phases starting with iOS 26.4, for which beta testing could begin as early as next month.