Apple Hits Pause on Next-Gen Siri: What’s Really Going On?

By: Ajay Ajay

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Updated on: 12-Feb-2026

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Key Highlights

• Apple has delayed advanced Siri features originally planned for iOS 26.4
• Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports testing issues have prompted the postponement
• Features include better contextual understanding, personalized responses, and deeper app integration
• Some capabilities may shift to iOS 26.5 (May 2026) or iOS 27 (September 2026)
• Apple continues to target a 2026 rollout overall, with no features canceled
• Delays stem from problems like slow responses and inaccurate query processing

Apple Delays Advanced Siri Features Planned for iOS 26.4

Apple is postponing several next-generation Siri upgrades that were set to arrive with iOS 26.4, according to a Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman. The features, part of the company's Apple Intelligence initiative, aim to deliver more advanced AI capabilities to the voice assistant.

Internal testing has revealed issues that have slowed progress, leading Apple to spread the rollout across multiple updates rather than include everything in the initial iOS 26.4 release expected in March 2026.

Delayed Siri Capabilities and Development Challenges

The postponed features focus on enhancing Siri's intelligence and usefulness:

• Improved contextual awareness, including better understanding of on-screen content
• Personalized responses drawn from user data (messages, emails, files)
• Deeper integration with apps for complex, multi-step commands (via App Intents)
• More natural handling of follow-up questions and conversations

Testing has shown problems such as Siri failing to process queries accurately or taking too long to respond. Engineers have been directed to test these enhancements in upcoming iOS 26.5 builds, which include internal notices about the new Siri additions and a preview toggle for personalization features.

Updated Rollout Timeline

Apple had internally targeted iOS 26.4 for the major Siri upgrades, following earlier delays from the original 2024/2025 plans announced at WWDC 2024. The current situation points to:

• iOS 26.4 (March 2026): Partial or limited Siri improvements
• iOS 26.5 (May 2026): Additional features, with continued testing
• iOS 27 (September 2026): Potentially the most advanced capabilities, coinciding with new iPhone launches

The overall timeline remains within 2026, as Apple has publicly indicated since the prior delay announcement.

Background on Siri's AI Upgrades

Apple first previewed a revamped Siri powered by Apple Intelligence in 2024, promising capabilities closer to modern AI assistants like those from OpenAI or Google. Some elements rely on partnerships, including Google's Gemini models for certain processing.

Previous setbacks pushed the full overhaul from spring 2025 to 2026. The latest issues highlight ongoing challenges in achieving reliable on-device and cloud-based performance without compromising speed or accuracy.

Also Read: iPhone 18 Pro Price Tipped to Stay Unchanged Despite Rising Component Costs: Read Complete Details

What to Watch Next

Apple is expected to release the first iOS 26.4 beta soon for testing. Further details on the phased Siri rollout may emerge through developer betas or additional reports from sources like Gurman. The company has not issued an official statement on the changes.