Apple is reportedly preparing for a major update to its Siri software, with an internal release window set for spring 2026. The delayed update would expand Siri’s capabilities and incorporate more artificial intelligence features, aligning with the company’s 2024 WWDC promises.
However, development of the new Siri has been chaotic, with internal sources indicating that releasing a full update in the spring is not a sure thing. Instead, Apple may release a preview version early, with the full rollout expected later this year when the iPhone 2026 arrives.
The challenges of integrating AI into a speech assistant like Siri are significant, according to Vikas Sharma, senior director of patent services at Quandary Peak Research. “An AI-integrated speech assistant must perform accurate speech recognition and feed that input into large language models,” he says. “Hallucination and inconsistency are major concerns – these systems can potentially trigger the wrong APIs, leading to incorrect or unintended actions.”
Sharma suggests that Apple may be delaying the release of Siri’s update until it feels it has a more polished product, similar to its approach with Apple Maps in 2012. The recent changes in leadership on Siri indicate that AI integration is still a priority for the company.
To overcome the perception of lagging behind in AI, Apple should broaden its focus on AI and communicate its progress more frequently and transparently, Sharma advises.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/siris-big-ai-upgrade-is-coming-but-reportedly-not-until-spring-2026