Apple is dedicated to safeguarding user data, integrating advanced privacy technologies and techniques into every aspect of our products and features. Privacy is a core consideration in our design approach, rooted in principles such as data minimization, on-device processing, transparency and control, as well as robust security measures that work in harmony to offer users exceptional experiences and peace of mind. This commitment extends to all our offerings, including Siri, which is designed to prioritize user privacy, making it the most secure digital assistant available.
Apple has never utilized Siri data to create marketing profiles, has never made such information available for advertising purposes, and has never sold it for any reason. We are continuously evolving our technologies to enhance Siri’s privacy features and will persist in doing so.
Here’s how Siri safeguards user data.
Siri Processes Information On-Device Whenever Possible
To ensure user privacy, Siri is engineered to perform as much processing as possible directly on the user’s device, facilitating personalized experiences while avoiding the need to transfer and analyze personal data on Apple servers. Whenever users interact with Siri, whether by talking or typing, their requests are processed locally whenever feasible. For instance, when users ask Siri to read unread messages or receive suggestions through widgets and search, this processing happens on their device. The contents of messages never leave the device, as they are not required for fulfilling the request. On capable devices, the audio of user requests is entirely processed on-device using the Neural Engine, unless the user opts to share it with Apple.1
Apple Limits the Data Collected for Siri Requests
While Apple strives to perform as much processing on-device as possible, certain features do require real-time input from Apple servers. In such cases, Siri minimizes data usage to ensure accurate results. It’s important to note that Siri searches and requests are not linked to your Apple Account. Instead, they are tracked using a random identifier—a unique string of letters and numbers associated with a device—ensuring that data is not tied to user identity through their account or phone number. This approach is believed to be unlike any other digital assistant available today.
Apple does not keep audio recordings of Siri interactions unless users explicitly opt-in to help improve the service; even then, such recordings are used solely for that purpose. Users can easily withdraw their consent at any time.
Advanced Privacy Protections with Private Cloud Compute
With the advancements brought by Apple Intelligence, we are entering a new chapter for Siri, empowering users to accomplish tasks effortlessly with intelligent features that make Siri more capable, personal, and helpful each day.
Throughout the process, we prioritize user privacy. Many models that power Apple Intelligence operate entirely on-device. For requests requiring larger models, Private Cloud Compute safely extends the privacy and security of the iPhone to the cloud, enabling even greater intelligence. When Siri engages with Private Cloud Compute, user data is neither stored nor accessible to Apple; the data is only utilized to complete the request.