Apple seems to be stepping back on its stance on using user data to train its AI models, as per a new section in the iOS 27 privacy policy. For context, the company previously assured users that it doesn’t need customer data and would make Siri AI work without it. Well, it seems Apple has had a change of mind.
Apple will reportedly use user data to train its AI in iOS 27
Apple says it takes steps to make sure personal data isn’t stored or used by Apple. However, as Heise points out, and as Apple has said in the terms of service for a few years now, employees may listen to anonymized audio. The new feature is opt-in only. Starting September 14, when iOS 27 rolls out, users will see a prompt asking whether they want to help improve the chatbot.
There will be options to agree or “not now.” It also notes that Apple’s “review personnel” may review the collected data. Though it’s unclear whether this means Apple employees or an outside company. Regardless, this change is significant.
Apple has reportedly been trying to make Apple Intelligence seem less concerning than AI platforms like ChatGPT and Meta AI. The company has been training its AI on user data for a while now using a privacy-focused method called Differential Privacy. This doesn’t expose individual information. However, Siri AI queries may be different. It likely needs to actually hear how people interact with the assistant to improve it.
Apple needs to keep up with the competition
The timing of this makes it quite notable. The new Apple Watch models can continuously listen for conversations and offer a transcript of the previous 15 seconds when requested. However, it’ll delete the audio once it provides the transcript.
Siri Recap can also summarize conversations for users from throughout the day. Apple says the feature uses Private Cloud Compute. This raises questions about what data could eventually be used to train Apple’s AI. That said, Apple didn’t say whether it’ll include Apple Watch conversation data.
Apple has been behind in the AI race, especially when OpenAI, Meta, and Anthropic are racing ahead. So, it needs to analyze what works and what doesn’t with Siri in order to keep up with the competition. That likely means accessing user data. Well, if you opt-in of course.
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