# 1-800-APL-CARE Now Connects You With AI Assistant Instead of Human > Source: > Published: 2026-08-26 16:56:19+00:00 If you dial Apple Support's phone number 1-800-APL-CARE from the U.S. or Canada, there is a good chance that an AI-powered support assistant will now answer. While many of Apple's phone systems already had a basic automated operator, the Apple Support phone line is now using a voice powered by generative AI. The assistant can answer questions and troubleshoot issues with your Apple products, with it able to provide detailed step-by-step instructions. The assistant can still transfer you to a human advisor if it cannot answer a specific question, or if you ask to speak to a real person. An anonymous tipster claimed that Apple has partnered with Sierra AI on the virtual assistant, but we have not independently confirmed this information. A concern is that Apple's increasing use of AI for customer service may result in a reduction in human advisors, through fewer job listings and/or layoffs. It appears that the AI assistant for Apple Support phone calls went live earlier this year. Apple has also been [testing a new AI-powered chatbot in its Apple Support app](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/03/apple-support-assistant-update/), through a new "Ask" tab that has rolled out to a limited number of users. This article, "[1-800-APL-CARE Now Connects You With AI Assistant Instead of Human](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/26/1-800-apl-care-ai-assistant/)" first appeared on [MacRumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com) [Discuss this article](https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1-800-apl-care-now-connects-you-with-ai-assistant-instead-of-human.2488034/) in our forums