Apple unveiled its long-awaited AI-enhanced Siri on Monday, revealing a partnership with Google that unlocked "a huge upgrade" for the voice assistant. The new Siri can handle complex queries like ChatGPT while accessing personal data on users' phones and interacting with apps. Available in beta next month and launching this autumn, the assistant represents Apple's effort to catch up in the AI race.

The tech giant shifted from its original plan to run queries only through its own servers, now using Nvidia's chips through Google's servers for advanced cloud-based AI models. Apple emphasizes privacy as its differentiator, with software chief Craig Federighi claiming competitors "retain your personal interactions" while Apple will not use or keep any personal data. The new Siri won't be available in the EU or China initially due to regulatory issues.

Apple's announcement follows an embarrassing reversal after marketing features that weren't ready, resulting in a $250mn class action settlement in May. The Siri redesign comes as Tim Cook prepares to step down as CEO in September, handing over to John Ternus. The announcement underscores Apple's concession that it lagged in developing frontier AI models, having proven slow to invest in generative technology compared to competitors.