Apple Rebuilds Siri with On-Screen Awareness, Cross-App Control

Apple announced a major overhaul of its Siri digital assistant on February 9, 2026. The company is rebuilding the service from the ground up, equipping it with new on-screen awareness and cross-app capabilities, according to a report from Fosstodon. This rebuilt Siri is powered by the Apple Foundation Model v10, though the report notes this is not yet its final form.

The new capabilities are designed to make the AI assistant more useful by allowing it to perform tasks across different applications. According to the Fosstodon report, Siri will soon be able to find, attach, and send files without requiring users to manually open apps. These features are expected to be part of future software updates, including iOS 26.4 and subsequent releases.

In a separate development also reported on February 9, Apple is planning a significant expansion of its CarPlay system. According to a report from Mastodon Social ML, the company aims to integrate popular third-party AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini directly into the in-car interface. This move would allow drivers to interact with these advanced AI assistants through their vehicle's infotainment system.

This CarPlay initiative was corroborated by additional reporting from The Verge and TechCrunch, both of which cited a Bloomberg report from February 6. The Verge reported that Apple is working to add support for voice control apps from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google within CarPlay. However, The Verge also noted that Apple reportedly will not let users replace the Siri button or wake word on CarPlay; users would need to manually open their preferred chatbot’s app to use it.

Separately, WCCFtech reported on February 9 that the iPhone 17 Pro’s Cosmic Orange color option triggered a 38% sales surge in China. Consumers in that market reportedly began associating the distinctive orange hue with the luxury brand Hermès. The Verge, in a separate article, noted that Apple may have picked an ideal year to release an orange iPhone, though it did not provide specific sales figures.

In another unrelated report from WCCFtech on February 9, Apple is not expected to abandon its Liquid Glass technology with the release of iOS 27. This suggests the company plans to continue development and integration of this particular display technology in its future mobile operating system.

The Siri overhaul represents Apple's latest effort to remain competitive in the increasingly advanced AI assistant market. By enabling on-screen awareness and cross-application control, Apple aims to create a more integrated and seamless user experience that reduces the need for manual app navigation.

The planned CarPlay integration of third-party AI chatbots indicates a strategic shift for Apple, which has historically maintained a closed ecosystem for its native services. Allowing drivers to access alternatives like ChatGPT and Gemini through the car's interface could provide users with more choice while maintaining safety standards for in-car operation.

Industry observers will be watching for further details on the rollout timeline for the new Siri capabilities and the third-party AI integration in CarPlay. The Fosstodon report indicated that the current Siri rebuild is not the final version, suggesting additional features and improvements may be forthcoming in later software updates.

These developments occur within a broader competitive landscape where tech companies are racing to deploy more sophisticated AI assistants across devices and platforms. Apple's dual approach of enhancing its native Siri while also opening CarPlay to external AI services reflects a nuanced strategy to address different user needs and preferences across its product ecosystem.