Apple’s much-anticipated update to Siri has reportedly been delayed and will not be included in the upcoming iOS 26.4 release as initially expected. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company encountered several issues during internal testing that have pushed back the launch of the enhanced voice assistant features.
The new Siri is said to be facing multiple challenges, including delayed response times, inaccurate handling of user queries, and difficulties processing more complex questions. Testers also reported unexpected behaviour such as Siri switching to ChatGPT responses instead of relying solely on Apple’s own models. Additionally, the assistant struggled to understand fast speakers and sometimes interrupted users mid-sentence.
Details on Features and Testing
Internal builds of iOS 26.5, which is now expected to introduce the upgraded Siri, reportedly include a toggle allowing users to preview a feature where Siri can access personal data. This is part of Apple’s broader effort to make the assistant more personalised and capable. However, the ‘app intents’ functionality, which would enable deeper integration with third-party apps, is also behind schedule and unlikely to debut before iOS 27.
Other enhancements in the internal iOS 26.5 builds include a web search tool and image generation capabilities, signalling a significant expansion of Siri’s abilities beyond traditional voice commands. Despite these advances, none of these features are expected to be part of the imminent iOS 26.4 update, which means users will need to wait until at least May when iOS 26.5 is anticipated to roll out.
Context and What to Expect Next
This delay follows earlier rumours that suggested parts of the new Siri would arrive with iOS 26.4. Apple’s approach to evolving Siri has been cautious, aiming to improve accuracy and user experience while integrating more advanced AI functions. The setbacks in testing highlight the complexity of delivering a seamless voice assistant that can handle a wide range of tasks reliably.
Looking ahead, the full suite of Siri improvements, including more sophisticated AI-driven features, is likely to be reserved for iOS 27, expected this September. For now, users will have to be patient as Apple refines the technology to meet its standards.
Overall, while the delay is disappointing for those eager to experience the new Siri, it underscores Apple’s commitment to quality and privacy in its voice assistant development.