Editor’s note 9/28/2025: We previously stated that the Siri overhaul was planned for March 2025. The correct information is March 2026. Bloomberg was also added as the source for this story.
Sick of asking Siri to set a timer three times before it works? Apple feels your pain—and they’re building a ChatGPT-like tool to fix it.
The company has developed an internal iPhone app code-named “Veritas” that mimics leading chatbots, according to Bloomberg reporting. This isn’t headed to your App Store. Instead, Apple’s AI team uses it to prototype and test features for a massive Siri overhaul planned for March 2026.
Testing Ground for Conversational Intelligence
Veritas handles multi-threaded conversations and remembers context—everything current Siri struggles with.
The internal tool lets engineers simulate real-world scenarios where users jump between topics, reference previous conversations, and expect Siri to actually understand context. Think ChatGPT’s conversational flow, but designed specifically to stress-test Apple’s upcoming AI infrastructure.
Engineers can rapid-fire queries about personal data, in-app actions, and web searches to identify where the new system breaks down.
The “Linwood” Project Takes Shape
Apple’s Siri rebuild combines proprietary models with third-party AI partnerships after multiple delays.
Originally scheduled for spring, the Siri overhaul—internally called “Linwood”—represents Apple’s most ambitious AI initiative. The company is simultaneously developing its own large language models through the Foundation Models team while negotiating integration deals with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google.
This dual approach hedges against the risk of falling further behind in the AI arms race that’s reshaping how people interact with their devices.
Beyond Voice Commands
New Siri reportedly aims to perform complex tasks like analyzing on-screen content and controlling smart home devices seamlessly.
The revamped assistant won’t just answer questions—it’ll act on them. Imagine Siri summarizing your email threads, controlling app functions through natural conversation, or analyzing what’s displayed on your screen. Apple reportedly envisions this as the foundation for AI-powered smart home devices and potentially even web search, directly challenging Google’s dominance.
Catching Up in the AI Race
Apple’s reputation depends on delivering ChatGPT-level performance after years of Siri disappointments.
Every smartphone maker now treats AI capabilities as a primary selling point. Apple’s delay in delivering competitive conversational AI has cost them credibility and market positioning. The March 2026 deadline carries significant weight for the company’s AI strategy.
Your next iPhone’s success—and Apple’s—depends on whether Veritas helps them deliver the conversational AI breakthrough users have been waiting for.
