Apple’s Overhauled Siri Promises Real Utility While OpenAI Preps Screenless Smart Speaker

Apple plans to roll out iOS 27 this September, featuring a revamped Siri that finally handles complex, context-aware requests by scanning iMessage, Safari and Mail content. Joanna Stern, former one outlet columnist, tested the beta and reported that the assistant can retrieve details from past conversations and set reminders without explicit prompts, marking a notable leap from earlier versions. Meanwhile, OpenAI is developing its inaugural hardware product, a compact, puck-shaped smart speaker expected in early 2027 and priced around $300.

The device, designed by Jony Ive, will operate without a screen, rely on voice commands, and may include a battery and cameras for visual queries. In a recent interview, OpenAI president Greg Brockman highlighted the concept of a "family of devices," suggesting the speaker is a logical first step for a company new to hardware. Stern questioned whether the market truly wants a screenless gadget, noting that many users still gravitate toward screens in public settings. Both releases signal a push to embed AI deeper into everyday tech, but Apple’s approach requires granting the assistant broad access to personal data, raising privacy considerations for average users.