AI assistant is rolling out to the Apple Store app on iOS
Apple's expected Virtual Shopping Assistant has begun to appear for some iPhone users, offering to answer questions about products or check on orders, although it won't do much about the rising prices. How the new Virtual Shopping Assistant looks in the Apple Store app - image credit: ShrimpApplePro. Apple has begun to get a reputation for leaking information in code references , but in July 2026…
Apple began testing an AI-powered shopping assistant within the Apple Store app on iPhone and iPad, according to reports. The company is currently offering the feature to a select group of users as part of an "Early Preview." In the Apple Store app, some users are now seeing a chat-style icon in the bottom right corner, replacing the standard search icon.
This new interface allows users to either search for a product or engage in a conversation with a "virtual shopping assistant." The assistant is capable of answering queries about Apple products, existing orders, connecting with a specialist, and more, or users can use predefined prompts.
The virtual shopping assistant is powered by artificial intelligence and may provide information that could be inaccurate. Apple notes that it may retain a transcript of conversations to ensure quality, system performance, and monitor for potential fraud. Currently, access to the shopping assistant is limited to a select group of users.
Apple has not disclosed when it will expand the feature to a wider audience. Readers are invited to share their thoughts on the addition of an AI-powered assistant to the Apple Store app and whether they would utilize it.
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