Apple's New Siri AI Will Be Later Than Planned

Apple's plan to make Siri much smarter with new AI is taking longer than expected. Some new features will be added slowly in future software updates, with the full update possibly coming in late 2026.
By Newsroom | Technology, Apple |

Recent reports indicate that Apple's much-anticipated upgrade for its voice assistant, Siri, is encountering further delays. This development means that a significant overhaul, aimed at infusing Siri with advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, will likely miss earlier release targets. The timeline for the full implementation of these new features now appears to be pushed back, with some functionalities potentially appearing in later software updates.

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Overview of the Delays

Apple's plan to introduce a substantially enhanced, AI-powered Siri has reportedly hit several snags. The new version is expected to offer more complex command execution, deeper integration within Apple's operating systems, and improved conversational abilities. However, issues have emerged during internal testing, leading to a reallocation of features across multiple software releases.

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  • Initial Target Missed: Features initially slated for the iOS 26.4 update are now being moved to later releases.

  • Phased Rollout: Some new Siri capabilities may appear in iOS 26.5, with more significant updates anticipated for iOS 27.

  • Extended Timeline: The earliest expected release for a substantial portion of the upgraded Siri is now late 2026, or potentially beyond.

Technical and Performance Challenges

Reports highlight that the delays are largely due to performance issues and difficulties in integrating new AI models. Engineers are reportedly grappling with making the new Siri fast and reliable, especially when handling intricate requests.

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  • Sluggish Performance: Testers have described the new Siri as "sluggish" and struggling with complex commands.

  • Integration Difficulties: Problems have arisen in meshing the new Siri with Apple's internal AI models and even external services like ChatGPT.

  • Specific Bugs: Peculiar issues have been noted, such as Siri cutting users off if they speak too rapidly.

"The new Siri is too slow, struggles with complex commands, and isn't meshing well with Apple's own AI models or with services like ChatGPT." - cnet.com

Software Integration and Testing

The phased approach to releasing Siri's new features suggests a careful, albeit slow, integration process. Apple engineers are reportedly being directed to use iOS 26.5 for further internal testing, signaling that this update will be a crucial stepping stone for the new functionalities.

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  • Testing Shift: Internal testing has been directed towards iOS 26.5 for some of the new Siri features.

  • Feature Distribution: The planned enhancements will be spread across several upcoming iOS versions, rather than being released all at once.

  • Preview Mode: Early builds of iOS 26.5 are said to include a setting for employees to activate a "preview" mode for the new features.

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"Apple engineers have been told to use iOS 26.5 for further internal testing, suggesting the new Siri features will be delayed until that update." - macrumors.com

AI Partnerships and Local Models

Apple's strategy involves a mix of in-house development and external collaborations, including a reported partnership with Google. However, even with these collaborations, Siri's new AI capabilities are not performing as expected in early tests.

  • Google Gemini Integration: Apple is reportedly developing a new Siri using a custom version of Google's Gemini model.

  • Fallback to ChatGPT: In some instances, the new Siri is falling back on ChatGPT integration for tasks it should theoretically handle locally.

  • Privacy Focus: A significant factor influencing the pace of development is Apple's unwavering commitment to privacy, which influences how data is processed and secured.

"Apple delays Siri’s Gemini AI-powered brain features due to performance roadblocks Testers have reported that the new Siri can be sluggish…" - androidheadlines.com

Expected Features and Competitor Landscape

The revamped Siri is a critical component of Apple's strategy to maintain its competitive edge against rivals who have made significant strides in AI. Key features expected include on-screen awareness and deeper app interaction.

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  • On-Screen Awareness: A planned enhancement is Siri's ability to recognize and respond to content displayed on the device's screen.

  • App Task Execution: The ability for Siri to perform tasks within other applications is a core, yet delayed, functionality.

  • Personalization: The upgrade aims for a more personalized Siri experience, tied into broader Apple Intelligence features.

  • Competitive Pressure: The delay puts Apple behind rivals like OpenAI and Google in offering advanced AI assistant capabilities.

"The Siri overhaul is a key part of Apple’s strategy to compete with AI advancements from rivals like OpenAI, Google, and Meta." - macobserver.com

Conclusion

The upgrade to Apple's Siri AI is experiencing substantial delays due to performance issues, integration challenges, and a commitment to privacy. While some new functionalities are being rolled out incrementally, the full vision of an advanced, AI-powered Siri is not expected until later software releases, potentially as late as iOS 27 and into late 2026. This phased approach indicates Apple's methodical strategy to ensure reliability and privacy alongside enhanced capabilities, even as it aims to keep pace with a rapidly evolving AI landscape. The decision to spread features across multiple updates underscores the complexity of developing and deploying sophisticated AI within a large ecosystem.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the new Siri AI taking so long?
The new Siri AI is delayed because of problems with how fast it works and how well it connects with other systems. Apple wants to make sure it is good and safe.
Q: When will the new Siri AI features be ready?
Some new features might come in later iOS updates like iOS 26.5. The full upgrade is expected to be ready by late 2026 or even later.
Q: What kind of new things will Siri be able to do?
Siri will become smarter and understand more complex requests. It will also be able to do more things inside other apps on your Apple device.
Q: Is Apple working with other companies for the new Siri?
Yes, Apple is reportedly working with companies like Google to help build the new Siri. They also want to keep user privacy very safe.