The upcoming version of Siri is set to launch with iOS 26.4 and will include enhanced integration with personal data and on-screen activities, enabling it to provide more contextually aware answers. Typically, Apple rolls out its “.4” updates in March, but a precise date for this release has yet to be determined.
Apple confirmed to Bloomberg
that these features are still anticipated “in the coming year,” although a more specific timeline was not provided. Internally, the company has postponed the release date multiple times.
The new Siri was initially showcased at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024 and was originally set to debut alongside the iPhone 16. However, that deadline was pushed to spring 2025, then moved to May 2025 with iOS 18.5, before facing an indefinite delay.
A primary reason for the delay, according to Bloomberg, was technical challenges stemming from Apple’s effort to merge its existing Siri system with a newer AI platform. This hybrid model led to bugs and reliability issues, with the assistant failing approximately one-third of the time during internal evaluations. Consequently, Apple’s engineers decided to reconstruct Siri from the ground up.
These delays resulted in significant changes within the company. The report revealed that Apple’s AI chief, John Giannandrea, was relieved of his duties overseeing consumer-facing products, including Siri.
The project leadership transitioned to Mike Rockwell, the executive responsible for the Vision Pro headset, along with Craig Federighi, head of Apple’s software engineering. Rockwell now leads the development of “Siri LLM,” the new large language model that will power the assistant.
During WWDC 2025, Apple introduced major design enhancements across its platforms but did not feature the new Siri. According to Bloomberg, Federighi briefly addressed the delay, stating that the assistant required “more time to reach our high-quality bar.”
The implications of the Siri delay extend beyond just software. A planned smart home hub intended to utilize the upgraded Siri has also been postponed, as reported by Bloomberg.
This screen-based device was slated to launch in March 2025 but was delayed due to the incomplete voice assistant. Additionally, Apple is developing smart glasses with AI features for 2026 but continues to depend on external partners like OpenAI and Google for fundamental image processing functionalities.
Bloomberg further notes that Apple’s internal teams remain conflicted over whether to develop more AI technology internally or to maintain collaborations with external companies. The company has contemplated acquiring smaller AI startups and is currently working on a chatbot tool, codenamed “Knowledge,” which aims to gather information from the web.
With so much at stake for the new Siri, the pressure is mounting for Apple to deliver at long last. After years of slow advancements and increasing competition, the company’s AI reputation is on the line.
