Apple Confines Advanced AI Chatbot ‘Veritas’ to Internal Use, Eyes Google’s Gemini for search
CUPERTINO, CA – September 28, 2024 – Apple is utilizing a ChatGPT-like internal chatbot, codenamed “Veritas,” to accelerate progress and testing of its next-generation Siri, but the company reportedly has no current plans to release the tool to consumers. The revelation comes as Apple continues to navigate challenges in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape and lags behind competitors in delivering advanced AI features.
according to Bloomberg’s Mark gurman, Veritas allows Apple employees to simulate conversations, test new Siri functionalities – including searching personal data and performing in-app actions like photo editing – and provide rapid feedback. While the chatbot demonstrates Apple’s progress in AI, the decision to keep it internal, a move Gurman characterizes as a mistake, signals a potential shift in strategy. Apple is increasingly likely to integrate Google’s Gemini into its AI-powered search capabilities, rather than launching a direct competitor to ChatGPT.
The development of Veritas underscores Apple’s struggles to keep pace in the AI race. The revamped Siri has faced multiple delays, most recently impacting the debut of Apple Intelligence, which received a tepid response following its unveiling at WWDC 2024.Veritas provides a controlled environment for iterative betterment, enabling apple to quickly prototype and refine AI features before potential public release.
The reliance on Gemini for search functionality would represent a notable partnership, allowing Apple to leverage Google’s established AI technology while it continues to develop its own long-term AI strategy. This approach could allow Apple to deliver competitive AI-powered search features sooner than if it were solely reliant on its internal development efforts.
