Apple reportedly faces setbacks in developing the new version of Siri, with multiple AI features possibly delayed in release

According to media reports citing sources, Apple’s long-anticipated upgraded Siri plan has encountered setbacks again. The project faced issues during recent weeks of testing, potentially delaying the release of several highly anticipated new features.

Insiders revealed that Apple initially planned to include these new features in the iOS 26.4 system update scheduled for March but is now considering dispersing them across subsequent versions. This means some features may be delayed until at least the release of iOS 26.5 in May or even iOS 27 in September.

This latest setback is part of Apple’s lengthy and challenging development process for the new Siri. Apple first announced a major upgrade to Siri in June 2024, with the main selling point being the integration of AI capabilities. The initial plan was to launch the new Siri in March 2025, but due to the underperformance of its in-house AI models, the update was postponed.

Last spring, Apple stated that the new Siri would be released in 2026 but did not specify a more precise timeline. Internally, the target was set for March 2026, tied to the iOS 26.4 release—and this plan remained unchanged until last month.

However, during testing, Apple discovered new issues with the software, prompting another delay. Reports indicate that Siri sometimes fails to correctly handle queries or takes too long to process requests.

The situation remains fluid, and Apple’s plans may continue to be adjusted.

Apple executives have previously insisted that features announced in June 2024 must not be delayed beyond spring 2026. Until recent weeks, Apple still planned to release them this month.

However, the project itself is extremely complex. The new Siri is built on a core system codenamed “Linwood,” relying on Apple’s large language model platform “Apple Foundations Models,” and is integrating technology from Google’s Gemini.

The most likely delayed feature is the expansion of Siri’s ability to access personal data. With this feature, users could ask Siri to search old messages, find podcasts shared by friends, and play them immediately.

Another potentially delayed feature is a more advanced voice command system called “app intents.” This system would allow users to give a single command for Siri to find images, edit them, and send them to contacts.

Testers reported that these features have initial support but are not yet stable in all scenarios.

Testers also noted accuracy issues and bugs where Siri would interrupt users if they spoke too quickly. There are also problems when handling complex requests that take longer to process.

Another challenge is that the new Siri sometimes calls on ChatGPT integrated with OpenAI instead of using Apple’s own technology, even though Siri should be able to handle such requests independently.

In June 2024, Apple partnered with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into its devices.

Apple had considered deepening its collaboration with OpenAI, using ChatGPT to support the new Siri, but ultimately chose Google’s Gemini instead.

Apple’s stock price was once pressured by setbacks in AI development, but with strong sales of the iPhone 17 series and Wall Street beginning to question the sustainability of the AI hype, Apple’s stock has outperformed most tech peers this year.

(Source: Cailian Press)