Apple says its overhauled Siri voice assistant will not act as an AI boyfriend or girlfriend, setting it apart from chatbots that try to build emotional connections with users.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s software engineering chief, said Siri has been designed to help users get things done and learn about the world, not to act as a romantic partner.
“If you try to engage Siri as a romantic partner, Siri’s not up for that. Siri’s 100% not into that,” Federighi said in an interview with Mostly Human, according to MacRumors.
Siri AI Coming With iOS 27
Apple’s new Siri AI is a key part of iOS 27, which is due out later this year and is currently in beta.
The company has taken its time with the new voice assistant, but Apple says Siri AI will not simply be a ChatGPT or Gemini clone with Siri’s voice.
Federighi and Apple marketing chief Greg Joswiak discussed the company’s AI approach in the interview and highlighted how the new Siri differs from rival chatbots.
Apple Takes Aim At Chatbots
Federighi said many existing chatbots focus heavily on engagement and “sycophancy,” adding that they try to pull users in.
He said some chatbots may encourage users to reveal personal details and then use that information to build a connection.
Although Federighi did not name any rival company, the comments appear to target AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok, which allow different levels of relationship-style interaction.
Siri Will Focus On Tasks
Apple’s position is that Siri should remain a practical assistant rather than a companion chatbot.
Federighi said Siri will tell users that romantic engagement is not what it is meant for.
He said Siri is designed to help users complete tasks and learn information, rather than form personal or emotional relationships with them.
The comments come as more users turn to AI chatbots for companionship, therapy-style conversations and romantic interactions. Reports have also highlighted cases of people falling in love with ChatGPT, using chatbots as therapists, and Gen Z users dating AI.
