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Apple’s AI Plans for Siri Hit a Delay
Apple has finally confirmed what many tech followers feared: the anticipated AI-powered upgrade to Siri won’t be launching until 2026. In a recent interview, Apple executives Craig Federighi and Greg “Joz” Joswiak shed light on the delay, putting months of speculation to rest. Initially, Apple used vague language like “in the coming year” when addressing the rollout of Siri’s new capabilities, leaving users and analysts wondering whether this meant a late-2025 launch or sometime after.
This ambiguous messaging continued through Apple’s WWDC keynote, with executives stating that more details would be shared “in the coming year.” However, in an exclusive interview with Tom’s Guide, journalist Mark Spoonauer directly asked the Apple execs whether 2026 was the firm release window. After a roundabout response from Federighi, it was Joz who finally confirmed, “Yeah, that’s what we said, yeah.”
That offhand confirmation ruled out any potential rollout with the iOS 18 cycle and most likely means the AI-powered Siri won’t appear until iOS 26.4 or later, possibly in spring 2026. Federighi’s pause and glance at Joz before the confirmation suggested internal caution, indicating that Apple is taking the delay seriously and prefers a tightly managed communication strategy.
This delay has disappointed many users who were hoping for a more competitive Siri this fall—one that could rival advancements from Google, OpenAI, and Amazon in generative AI. As Apple positions itself for a new AI era, Siri’s transformation is seen as central to its long-term software ecosystem. Missing the 2025 window could slow its momentum in the AI race.
Despite the setback, Apple insists the delay is rooted in their commitment to privacy and reliability. Their AI features, internally referred to as “Apple Intelligence,” are said to be deeply integrated across devices, enhancing not only Siri but also core apps and workflows. Given Apple’s reputation, expectations remain high that the final product will be polished and secure—whenever it arrives.
What Undercode Say:
Missed Opportunity or Strategic Patience?
Apple’s decision to delay Siri’s AI enhancements may feel frustrating to many users, but it reflects a deeper strategic narrative. While rivals like Google and Microsoft are aggressively deploying AI tools, Apple is taking a slower, more integrated approach. This cautious path may serve Apple well in the long run—if it can deliver a breakthrough that truly redefines digital assistance.
The Messaging Misstep
Apple’s use of the phrase “in the coming year” was likely intended to manage expectations while buying time internally. However, it left users confused and gave critics ammunition. The recent confirmation to Tom’s Guide finally clarified matters, but the delay in communication dented Apple’s usual perception of transparency and confidence.
Federighi and Joz: Controlled Disclosure
The dynamics of the interview revealed Apple’s internal communication strategy. Federighi, a key tech executive, carefully avoided giving a timeline. It was Joz, the marketing chief, who gave the definitive answer—showing that Apple tightly controls who is allowed to speak on certain topics. This adds to the impression that the company is in damage control mode over the delay.
Timing and iOS 26.x
Based on Joz’s confirmation, we can expect Siri’s AI rollout to coincide with iOS 26.4 or later—typically a spring release. Apple likely needs this extra time to test deeply embedded features, ensure on-device processing capabilities, and meet its privacy benchmarks.
Apple Intelligence: More Than Just Siri
Behind the scenes, Apple is not merely upgrading Siri but developing a broader suite of AI tools under the “Apple Intelligence” brand. These features are expected to enhance messaging, productivity, and even photography. Siri is just the public-facing part of a much larger shift.
Consumer Impact
Users who were hoping to see major AI improvements in iOS 18 may feel let down. However, Apple’s core base values polish and security over speed. For many, waiting an extra year for smarter, more reliable AI could be a worthwhile trade-off.
Developer Ecosystem & Integration
The delay may also allow third-party developers more time to align with Apple’s AI APIs and tools. When the update finally drops, developers might be ready with smarter apps that complement Siri’s upgraded intelligence.
Competitive Landscape
This delay means Apple risks falling further behind Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and emerging players like ChatGPT-integrated tools. However, Apple may still win in the long run by avoiding rushed features that could harm user trust.
Strategic Focus: Privacy & On-Device AI
Apple’s AI model emphasizes on-device intelligence, aligning with its broader commitment to privacy. This sets it apart from cloud-based models, and is likely a key reason behind the extended development timeline.
✅ Fact Checker Results
Apple officially confirmed Siri’s AI update will not arrive before 2026.
The announcement came from Greg Joswiak during a direct interview, confirming delays past iOS 18.
Apple’s messaging has been inconsistent, leading to early confusion about the release timeline.
🔮 Prediction: Siri’s AI Will Redefine Apple’s Ecosystem in 2026
When Siri’s AI upgrade finally launches in 2026, it’s likely to be more than a simple assistant overhaul. Expect a suite of deeply integrated tools across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS that enhance user productivity and device intelligence. With Apple’s track record, the long wait may ultimately lead to an AI ecosystem that feels native, seamless, and highly secure—giving Apple a renewed competitive edge.
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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