# Evaluating AI Assistants: Siri, ChatGPT, and Perplexity
About a year has passed since Apple introduced Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2024, representing a major enhancement in Siri’s functionalities. With a refreshed interface, new features such as text-to-Siri support, visual intelligence, and image generation, Siri is undoubtedly more aesthetically pleasing and feature-rich than ever. Nevertheless, essential factors like conversational skills and contextual understanding still have room for improvement compared to rivals like ChatGPT and Perplexity. This article seeks to assess these three AI assistants to ascertain which one merits the title of your preferred voice assistant on the iPhone.
## The Setup
For this evaluation, I employed the free versions of Siri, ChatGPT, and Perplexity, ensuring that this test can be easily replicated by anyone. My initial predictions were:
– **Siri** might excel at app integrations.
– **Perplexity** could impress with real-time information and limited app support.
– **ChatGPT** would probably be the most intelligent but may fall short in practical functionality on the iPhone.
## Basic Knowledge
To assess fundamental knowledge, I asked straightforward questions such as:
– Who is the current president of France?
– Can you convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?
– Can you define this?
All three assistants responded effectively to these inquiries. Siri displayed a visual text prompt, while ChatGPT and Perplexity answered vocally. Interestingly, Perplexity’s assistant communicated at a slower pace than GPT, but all three provided accurate answers.
**Winner: Tied**
## Navigation and Local Search
Next, I evaluated their capabilities in locating a pet-friendly pizzeria and providing navigational aid.
– **ChatGPT** offered a list of appropriate places but couldn’t integrate with the maps application for navigation.
– **Perplexity** identified the same venues and displayed a routed map within its app, allowing for easy access to Apple Maps.
– **Siri** performed best by seamlessly integrating with Apple Maps to offer turn-by-turn directions.
**Winner: Siri**
## Current Event Article Summarization
I requested a summary of the latest article from 9to5mac from each assistant.
– **Siri** was unable to summarize, only retrieving a list of articles.
– **ChatGPT** found the article and provided a concise vocal summary.
– **Perplexity** not only summarized the article but also confirmed it was the correct one.
**Winner: Perplexity**
## Real-World Problem Solving
I examined their problem-solving skills by asking for help with a flat tire.
– **ChatGPT** delivered a comprehensive, step-by-step solution.
– **Perplexity** hesitated after a few prompts.
– **Siri** did not provide any helpful guidance.
**Winner: ChatGPT**
## Travel and Time Logic
I posed a more intricate question: “If I left NYC at 5 PM and drove for 6 hours, which cities could I reach?”
– All three assistants listed cities within a 4-6 hour drive.
– **Perplexity** stood out by pulling up a map and displaying options, moving closer to navigational assistance.
**Winner: Perplexity**
## App Integration and Utilities
This is where Siri truly excels.
– **Siri** can launch both first- and third-party applications, send iMessages, and set reminders natively.
– **Perplexity** can draft emails and play music via Apple Music but needs confirmation taps for actions and only functions with first-party apps.
– **ChatGPT** lacks any app integrations, rendering it less functional in this area.
**Winner: Siri**
## Final Verdict: Who Should You Use?
The selection of an AI assistant largely hinges on your personal definition of what an AI assistant should accomplish. If you value executing actions through voice commands, Siri is the clear frontrunner due to its solid app integration. Conversely, if you’re searching for an assistant that excels in conversational dialogue and can offer real-world assistance, ChatGPT stands as the superior choice.
At present, I have assigned ChatGPT to my action button, effectively utilizing it as a replacement for Siri. The ultimate scenario would be an integration of Siri’s action capabilities with ChatGPT’s conversational strengths—an opportunity that may surface with future iOS updates.
I encourage you to check out the accompanying video for a live demonstration of these assistants in action. What are your thoughts? Do you utilize AI assistants? Which ones do you favor? I am also receptive to exploring other AI assistants for upcoming comparisons, so let me know which ones you’re interested in!
