Latest reports suggest Apple is gearing up to breathe new life into Siri, and it’s not just about enhancing its AI capabilities. According to Mark Gurman, the virtual assistant is set to undergo a complete visual overhaul, taking on an animated appearance inspired by the Mac’s Finder icon – the iconic smiling face that has represented the system for decades.
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A Concept Named Bubbles: A Blend of Finder and Memoji
Apple is reportedly developing an internal project called Bubbles
, aimed at making Siri more lifelike
with an animated visual identity. The concept is reminiscent of Microsoft Office’s animated paperclip assistant, Clippy, from the 90s, but with a much more stylish and modern design.
Several designs are currently being considered. There might be a face heavily inspired by the Finder, featuring a minimalist and iconic style. Alternatively, a version closer to Memoji could be used, offering an expressive and customizable appearance. Although no final decision has been made yet, this evolution aligns with Apple’s strategy to make Siri more engaging and interactive.
A Central Role in Future Home Products
This new visual identity is expected to play a key role in two upcoming devices: the expected HomePad/HomePod Touch in 2026, and a robot slated for 2027, which is described as a sort of iPad mounted on a motorized arm
capable of pivoting and repositioning to follow the user around the room.
On this device, Siri would act as a virtual companion, not only responding to requests but also initiating interactions: suggesting a restaurant during a dinner conversation, assisting with travel planning, or managing tasks in an ongoing dialogue, similar to OpenAI’s advanced voice mode.
Possible Debut Next Year
Although the tabletop robot is scheduled for 2027, Mark Gurman indicates that this visual overhaul could arrive as soon as 2026 with the HomePad. This device would feature the new Siri display, although its conversational abilities might be more limited than those of the future robot.
Finally, one last question remains: Will Apple keep the Siri name? If the company aims to break away from the current image of its assistant, a rebranding could be on the cards. However, regardless of the name, it’s clear that Apple intends to make Siri a familiar and proactive face in the connected home.