Siri Upgrade Set for Spring 2026 Release
Apple’s highly anticipated Siri overhaul is now projected to launch in spring 2026, as part of iOS 26.4, according to an extensive report from Bloomberg. This significant update marks a pivotal step in Apple’s wider artificial intelligence initiatives, having faced multiple delays due to internal challenges.
Initial Announcements and Delays
The new version of Siri was first unveiled at WWDC 2024, showcasing its ability to provide smarter, context-aware answers by harnessing personal data and current on-screen activities. Apple demonstrated how the upgraded Siri could better grasp user context and respond accordingly. However, in March 2025, Apple confirmed the postponement of the rollout, stating that it would require more time than originally anticipated.
Confirmation of Spring Release
During a recent interview, Greg Joswiak, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, stated that the term “in the coming year” refers to 2026, solidifying the spring launch timeframe the company aims for. Based on Apple’s usual update schedule, iOS 26.4, featuring the redesigned Siri, might be released in March 2026. For example, iOS 18.4 was launched on March 31, while iOS 17.4 debuted on March 5.
Previous Plans and Delays
Originally, the Siri upgrade was supposed to be introduced alongside the iPhone 16 lineup in late 2024. However, at that time, only minor visual enhancements were made, with the primary Apple Intelligence functions for Siri deferred. By spring 2025, the project faced yet another delay, shifting from a proposed iOS 18.5 rollout to an undefined future date, ultimately moving it to 2026.
Reasons for the Delay
Bloomberg reports that the primary reason for the delay lies in Apple’s initial strategy to combine its existing Siri system with a new AI platform. This hybrid approach resulted in technical issues, with early testing indicating that Siri failed to respond correctly around one-third of the time. Consequently, Apple engineers opted to completely reconstruct the assistant, utilising a new large language model known as “Siri LLM.”
Internal Restructuring and Leadership Changes
These setbacks prompted an internal restructuring at Apple. John Giannandrea, the company’s AI chief, was reassigned away from overseeing consumer-facing AI products like Siri. The project is now under the management of Mike Rockwell, known for his role in Vision Pro development, alongside Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering.
Recent Updates from WWDC 2025
At Apple’s WWDC 2025 event, which took place earlier this week, iOS 26 and the company’s new “Liquid Glass” design language were introduced, featuring new Apple Intelligence functionalities such as live translation on calls and Genmoji creation using emoji prompts. However, the upgraded version of Siri was noticeably absent from any demonstrations. During his keynote at WWDC 2025, Federighi commented on the omission, explaining that the assistant required additional time to meet Apple’s high standards.
Impact on Hardware Projects
The delay is also influencing other hardware initiatives. A planned smart home hub, initially set to release in March 2025 alongside the upgraded Siri, has been postponed. Additionally, Apple is developing AI-enabled smart glasses for 2026 but still relies on external partners like OpenAI and Google for essential image processing technologies.
Future AI Developments
Apple is reportedly still evaluating the extent to which its AI development should be conducted in-house. While the company has considered acquiring smaller AI startups, it is also creating its own web-connected chatbot tool, codenamed “Knowledge.”
With increasing pressure to compete with rivals such as Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, the 2026 Siri release is anticipated to be a crucial turning point for Apple. With years of stagnant advancement and evolving strategies, the company’s credibility in AI may hinge on successfully fulfilling its commitments.
