Apple has developed an internal app called Veritas—a ChatGPT-like iPhone tool designed exclusively for testing and refining a major Siri upgrade slated for 2026. According to a Bloomberg report on September 26, 2025, Veritas allows Apple’s AI engineers to simulate real-world interactions with the revamped voice assistant, evaluating features like personal data searches (e.g., emails, music libraries) and in-app actions (e.g., photo editing). For AI researchers, Apple fans, and tech insiders searching Apple Veritas app, Siri testing ChatGPT-like tool, or Apple Siri overhaul 2026, this prototype—named after the Latin word for “truth”—is not for public release but serves as a critical sandbox for the new Siri system, codenamed Linwood. It supports multi-topic conversations, chat history saving, and follow-up queries, helping Apple address past delays in its AI push.
While Veritas won’t reach consumers, it could pave the way for a more capable Siri in iOS 19.4, potentially closing the gap with rivals like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Veritas: The Internal Testing Powerhouse
Veritas functions as a standalone iPhone app for Apple’s AI team, providing a controlled environment to iterate on Siri’s enhancements without disrupting public-facing services. Unlike the current Siri, it emphasizes conversational depth and system integration, testing features that require deep access to user data and apps.
Core capabilities under evaluation:
- Personal Data Searches: Querying emails, messages, photos, or music libraries with context-aware responses.
- In-App Actions: Executing tasks like cropping images or starting playlists via voice or text commands.
- Multi-Turn Conversations: Handling extended dialogues, referencing prior chats, and supporting topic switches.
Powered by Apple’s in-house large language model (LLM) codenamed Linwood—trained by the Foundation Models team with third-party tech—Veritas blends internal innovation with external benchmarks. It’s a successor to the 2023 AppleGPT prototype, now focused on Siri-specific testing.
| Feature Tested | Current Siri Limitation | Veritas/Siri Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Data Search | Basic Queries | Deep Email/Photo Access |
| In-App Actions | Limited Commands | Photo Editing, Playlist Starts |
| Conversations | Single-Turn | Multi-Turn with History |
Timeline and Broader Context: Siri’s Long-Awaited Overhaul
The Siri revamp, delayed multiple times since its 2024 announcement, is now eyed for a March 2026 launch with iOS 19.4. Veritas accelerates testing, but challenges like privacy (on-device processing) and reliability persist. Apple has reshuffled leadership, replacing Siri chief John Giannandrea with Mike Rockwell, and is exploring Gemini integration from Google.
- Delays and Stakes: Success could drive Apple’s AI resurgence; failure widens the gap with competitors.
- Broader AI Strategy: Veritas tests Linwood alongside third-party models, blending internal and external tech.
Conclusion: Veritas as Apple’s Siri Testing Crucible
Apple’s Veritas app is a behind-the-scenes powerhouse, fine-tuning Siri’s 2026 overhaul with ChatGPT-like capabilities for deeper integration. While internal-only, it could redefine voice AI. For Apple watchers, it’s a peek at the future—will Linwood deliver? The tests continue. mcdailynews
