Apple Tests AI Shopping Assistant in Store App

Apple Inc. is testing an AI-powered virtual shopping assistant within the Apple Store app for iPhone and iPad. Currently available as an Early Preview to a limited number of users, the tool replaces the traditional search icon with a chat-style speech bubble icon.

The assistant enables users to inquire about products, check the status of existing orders, determine trade-in values, and compare different device lineups. A disclaimer within the app warns that the "Virtual shopping assistant is powered by artificial intelligence and may give answers that contain inaccuracies."

Apple may retain chat transcripts to monitor for fraud and ensure system performance. While a July privacy policy update first referenced the tool, the company has not officially announced the feature or provided a timeline for a wider release.