Apple testing "Veritas" AI chatbot to upgrade Siri as M5 and M6 MacBook Pros, iPhone 17e target 2026 launch

[DragonSlayer101]

What we know so far: The rollout of Apple Intelligence has received lukewarm reactions from users and reviewers, but the company is moving forward with plans to integrate AI into Siri. To that end, Apple is reportedly testing an AI-powered version of its virtual assistant using a chatbot named "Veritas."

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is using Veritas to develop and test a range of features that it plans to introduce to Siri in the near future, including comprehensive local search and in-app actions such as image editing and file management. The AI chatbot is also helping Apple refine natural language interactions.

Apple is currently collecting feedback on Veritas from employees who have been using the software for some time. However, the company reportedly has no plans to release the chatbot to the public through an open beta. Gurman suggests this may be a mistake, as public testing could provide valuable real-world data to improve the software.

Siri is rumored to receive a major AI-powered revamp next March as Apple aims to catch up with Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT. Internally dubbed Project Linwood, the upgrade will enable Siri to search both the web and on-device data, as well as allow users to control their iPhone via voice commands.

On the hardware front, Apple is developing the next-generation MacBooks powered by the M5 family of processors. According to Gurman, the new MacBook Pro models could enter mass production in late 2025 or early 2026, with a potential launch in March. The upgraded 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are expected to feature M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips.

More significant changes may arrive later in the year. Rumors suggest the MacBook Pro could adopt a touchscreen OLED display, a thinner form factor, a smaller front notch, and cellular connectivity. These models are also expected to use M6, M6 Pro, and M6 Max chips, fabricated using TSMC's latest 2nm process.

Apple is reportedly preparing the iPhone 17e as the successor to the entry-level iPhone 16e. While Gurman did not provide specific details, he noted that upgraded iPad Pro, iPad Air, and base iPad models are also in development. Launch dates for these devices remain uncertain.

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Apple testing "Veritas" AI chatbot to upgrade Siri as M5 and M6 MacBook Pros, iPhone 17e target 2026 launch

 

[Squid Surprise]

I want a new Apple TV… doesn’t need to have AI - just play all new codecs seamlessly please.

 

[NumberNine]

I have the last generation of iPhones without machine learning baked in and if they force this... final iPhone. I can do a dumb phone, standalone MP3 player, and 2FA dongle just fine.

 

[GhostLegion]

I have the last generation of iPhones without machine learning baked in and if they force this... final iPhone. I can do a dumb phone, standalone MP3 player, and 2FA dongle just fine.

I hope you work from home then. I used a dumb phone for about a year. The battery life was absolute garbage and that was only LTE and no 5G capability. Now maybe it was the fact that I had a microSD card, or maybe just the specific model of phone but it was awful. An awful experience that I genuinely cannot recommend to anyone except those who don’t really use phones. If you only need it for the occasional call then it was fine but the actual battery life using it was not good.

 

[Squid Surprise]

I hope you work from home then. I used a dumb phone for about a year. The battery life was absolute garbage and that was only LTE and no 5G capability. Now maybe it was the fact that I had a microSD card, or maybe just the specific model of phone but it was awful. An awful experience that I genuinely cannot recommend to anyone except those who don’t really use phones. If you only need it for the occasional call then it was fine but the actual battery life using it was not good.

Battery life has nothing to do with whether a phone is smart…old Motorola Razr had way better battery life than any iPhone…

 

[GhostLegion]

Battery life has nothing to do with whether a phone is smart…old Motorola Razr had way better battery life than any iPhone…

On the contrary, using older chipsets without the battery optimization software results in the poor battery life I experienced. Plus idk if you’re referring to older 2g/3g phones because I too had good battery life with those phones. I’m specifically referring to active on time when talking about battery life with newer flip phones. The standby time was actually quite good but actually using the phone killed it incredibly quickly. Like 2-3 hours quickly.

 

[Squid Surprise]

On the contrary, using older chipsets without the battery optimization software results in the poor battery life I experienced. Plus idk if you’re referring to older 2g/3g phones because I too had good battery life with those phones. I’m specifically referring to active on time when talking about battery life with newer flip phones. The standby time was actually quite good but actually using the phone killed it incredibly quickly. Like 2-3 hours quickly.

What phones are you talking about then?!?

 

[GhostLegion]

What phones are you talking about then?!?

The F1 Feature Phone - Sunbeam Wireless - Kosher phones with tools for simple living

Sunbeam Wireless packs only the features you need without the clutter into the refreshingly simple F1 feature phone.

sunbeamwireless.com

Phones like those. Modern phones supporting 4G LTE and potentially 5G. Looks like Sunbeam has upgraded models from the original F1 I owned and used. Bigger battery now it seems. Still, the battery life on the original F1 was awful.

The Dumbphone Finder

The easiest way to find the best dumb phone for your needs. Filter, sort, and select the best minimal phone for you! Whether you need Spotify, Whatsapp, or anything, the dumbphone finder has a simple way to help you find the phone.

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If you want a site dedicated to choosing a modern flip phone.