Here’s an intriguing proposition to consider in this rapidly evolving technological landscape: what if the forthcoming generation of Apple’s Siri were not merely an incremental upgrade, but a transformative leap forward—so remarkably advanced, responsive, and even delightful to converse with that users find themselves developing genuine emotional attachment to their iPhones? Imagine a form of digital companionship so fluid and engaging that the line between pragmatic utility and personal connection begins to blur. Of course, improved competence in practical tasks like setting reminders or accurately transcribing dictated messages would still be appreciated, but the prospect here stretches far beyond convenience. We are envisioning an artificial companion so captivating, so intuitively attuned to human nuance, that its charm could invite affection—and perhaps even obsession. The unsettling question then follows: are we emotionally and culturally prepared for the consequences of such intimacy with machines?
In the latest episode of *The Vergecast*, this provocative concept—informally dubbed “Sexy Siri”—emerges as one of several lively subjects of conversation. The discussion is spearheaded by hosts Nilay and David, who welcome Joanna Stern, the esteemed senior technology columnist from *The Wall Street Journal*. Together, they embark on an exploration of technological forecasting for the upcoming year, categorizing their predictions with playful culinary intensity as mild, medium, and spicy—each tier reflecting a higher level of speculative boldness.
Throughout the episode, the hosts oscillate between pragmatic and imaginative forecasts, offering a spectrum of perspectives on where the industry might head next. Some of their scenarios remain anchored in realistic possibility: an Apple-designed foldable device, for instance, is examined with cautious optimism. They also contemplate the global cultural moment sure to accompany the long-awaited release of *Grand Theft Auto VI*, and the potential resurgence of electric vehicles as consumer appetite, regulation, and innovation evolve in tandem. Yet, as the conversation progresses, speculation drifts into wilder territory, where technological ambition verges on societal upheaval. Could 2026 become the reckoning year for self-driving cars—a decisive test of whether autonomous mobility can truly scale safely and ethically? Might the overwhelming proliferation of generative AI content, sometimes disparagingly described as “AI slop,” drive users to demand more authenticity from their social platforms or even migrate en masse to entirely new digital communities? And among the titans of the tech industry, which corporation might face its most cataclysmic downfall in the coming year after years of dominance?
Naturally, the hosts acknowledge that not every prediction offered will withstand the passage of time. After all, as their previous year’s retrospective episode candidly revealed, many confident forecasts ultimately missed their mark. Nonetheless, the spirit of curiosity and informed speculation remains the beating heart of *The Vergecast*—and for 2026, they are betting on disruption, reinvention, and unexpected transformations across the technological landscape. They enthusiastically invite listeners to join in this collective thought experiment: What do you believe lies ahead in 2026? Which innovations excite you, which trends concern you, and what is your own personal scale of mild to incendiary predictions for the next twelve months?
To contribute to the conversation, you are encouraged to leave a comment, reach out through the Vergecast Hotline at 866-VERGE11, or share your ideas via email at vergecast@theverge.com. The challenge, of course, is to rival their most flamboyant forecast—because surpassing the intrigue and charisma of “Sexy Siri” might just be the hardest prediction to top.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/podcast/844401/tech-industry-2026-predictions-openai-apple
