Apple Targets Spring 2026 for Long-Awaited Siri AI Upgrade
Apple is setting the stage for a major leap in artificial intelligence with its long-anticipated Siri AI upgrade, now internally targeted for a spring 2026 release. This development marks a significant milestone in Apple’s quest to redefine the capabilities of its voice assistant and regain its footing in the fast-evolving AI race.
A Strategic AI Overhaul
The delayed Siri AI upgrade is expected to roll out with the iOS 26.4 update, which Apple typically schedules for March. This release aims to transform Siri from a basic voice assistant into a more intuitive, intelligent, and deeply integrated digital companion. By leveraging on-device data and real-time screen activity, the new Siri will better understand user intent and deliver more accurate responses — a substantial improvement over its current functionality.
Apple confirmed it hasn’t publicly announced a firm date, sticking to its previous statement that the new features will be introduced “in the coming year.” However, internal sources suggest that development is progressing with spring 2026 as the working timeline.
Delay or Refinement?
Apple's push to upgrade Siri isn’t new. The overhaul was originally introduced during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024. Initially planned to coincide with the launch of iPhone 16 in fall 2024, the rollout was pushed to spring 2025, then iOS 18.4, and later delayed again to May 2025 with iOS 18.5. By March 2025, the company had indefinitely postponed the project.
The delays were largely due to engineering hurdles. The core issue stemmed from Siri’s architecture being split between legacy systems for basic commands and a next-gen platform for advanced features. This hybrid model resulted in inconsistent performance and frequent bugs, prompting Apple to rebuild Siri from the ground up.
Internal Tensions and Leadership Shifts
The Siri setbacks sparked tension inside Apple. Marketing teams accused engineering of missing deadlines, while engineers argued that marketing overpromised based on unrealistic timelines. The internal rift culminated in a leadership reshuffle. John Giannandrea, Apple’s Senior VP of AI, lost oversight of consumer-facing products, including Siri and the company’s secretive robotics division. His focus has since shifted back to AI research and development of large language models (LLMs), the foundation of Apple’s generative AI.
Engineering responsibilities for Siri were handed over to Vision Pro creator Mike Rockwell and Craig Federighi, Apple’s Software Engineering Chief. Rockwell now leads development of “Siri LLM,” the internal name for the new system powering the next-generation assistant.
Siri’s Future: App Intents and On-Device AI
A cornerstone of the Siri AI upgrade is a new technology called App Intents. This system will allow Siri to control apps and perform in-app actions more precisely across devices, ushering in a new era of proactive digital assistance. Whether it’s booking a ride, composing an email, or controlling smart home devices, Siri is being reimagined as a more capable copilot.
Apple has emphasized its commitment to privacy by focusing on on-device AI, minimizing the need to send user data to external servers. However, it continues to collaborate with partners like OpenAI and Google for cloud-based functionalities such as advanced image recognition and contextual analysis.
Delays Ripple Across Apple’s Ecosystem
The postponed Siri AI upgrade hasn’t just impacted iPhones — it has affected broader hardware plans as well. A smart home hub, designed to operate as a wall-mounted screen-based assistant, was also delayed due to its reliance on the new Siri software. The device was originally set to launch in March but now has no confirmed release date.
There’s growing concern about how these AI-related setbacks could impact Apple’s long-term ambitions. For instance, the company is developing AI-powered smart glasses with environmental scanning capabilities. However, progress in this area remains heavily dependent on third-party AI providers.
WWDC 2025: No Siri, Just Signals
At Apple’s latest WWDC, the company unveiled sweeping software design updates across platforms and some developer tools for AI integration. However, it conspicuously avoided showcasing Siri. Craig Federighi briefly addressed the elephant in the room, stating, “This work needed more time to reach our high-quality bar, and we look forward to sharing more about it in the coming year.”
This statement reflects Apple’s new cautious tone around AI — a sharp contrast to its previous marketing bravado. Despite this, the company insists Siri’s evolution is just one part of a broader, long-term AI strategy.
Apple’s Bigger AI Picture
In addition to Siri, Apple is also developing a chatbot-like tool known internally as “Knowledge.” This project aims to tap into the open web and function more like ChatGPT or Google Gemini. Led by Robby Walker — a former Siri team leader — the tool is still in early stages, and there are internal concerns about whether the team is equipped to deliver.
These initiatives highlight Apple’s evolving AI roadmap: blending on-device intelligence with external partnerships while slowly shifting into more conversational, context-aware experiences.
Conclusion: Can Apple Catch Up?
The Siri AI upgrade has the potential to reshape how users interact with Apple’s ecosystem. From smarter app control to personalized responses, it represents a new frontier in voice assistance. But with timelines slipping and competition from Amazon, Google, and OpenAI intensifying, Apple’s ability to deliver in 2026 will be a crucial test.
If successful, this upgrade could mark Siri’s long-overdue transformation from a lagging assistant to a cutting-edge AI companion — and help Apple reclaim its innovation edge in the AI space.
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