Apple has delayed the launch of its AI-enhanced Siri, initially set to debut with the iOS 26.4 update in March, due to issues encountered during internal software testing.
The AI-enhanced Siri was first announced as part of the Apple Intelligence suite in 2024 and was expected to revolutionize the way users interact with their devices by functioning more like large-language-model chatbots. This new version of Siri is designed to allow users to converse directly without the need to open a separate app, providing a more seamless and integrated experience.
According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, the rollout of the new Siri features will now be staggered. Some features are expected to be included in the May iOS release, while others may be delayed until iOS 27 in September. This postponement marks another setback for the upgraded digital assistant, which has already experienced a year and a half of repeated schedule shifts.
The new Siri system is reportedly powered by Google’s Gemini model, which is expected to provide the advanced capabilities required for the enhanced functionality. Apple’s decision to delay the launch is attributed to problems encountered during software testing, although the company has not disclosed specific technical issues.
The testing setbacks suggest that Apple may be facing integration challenges with the Gemini backend. As a result, Siri product managers have faced increasing pressure as the timeline continues to slip. Despite the delay, Apple has not provided a new definitive launch timeline for the AI-enhanced Siri.
