Apple is working on a comprehensive overhaul of Siri based on Google's Gemini AI. However, although the deal with Google has already been officially finalized, the rollout of the new features is apparently facing significant delays. Instead of launching with iOS 26.4 in March as originally planned, key features might not appear until iOS 26.5 or even iOS 27 in the fall. This information comes from a report by Mark Gurman for Bloomberg and paints a clear picture: Apple is struggling internally to finalize the new Siri.
Apple first announced the more powerful version of Siri at WWDC 2024, generating considerable excitement. It was originally slated to be a feature of iOS 18. Later, Apple postponed the launch to "sometime this year".
In January, Apple officially signed an agreement with Google to use the Gemini AI models as a technological foundation. Prior to this decision, Apple evaluated its own AI models as well as solutions from Anthropic. Ultimately, the company chose Google as its technology partner. Despite this strategic move, implementation appears to be more complex than anticipated.
Planned launch with iOS 26.4 – now likely delayed
According to Mark Gurman, Apple originally planned to integrate the new Siri features into iOS 26.4. This update was scheduled for March. Internally, this date was apparently considered the target.
However, Apple is now working on rolling out the features to later versions. According to Bloomberg, sources familiar with the matter report that at least some of the new features could be delayed until iOS 26.5, which is expected to be released in May.
Further features might not arrive until iOS 27, which is scheduled for release in September. While Apple itself hasn't specified a concrete release date, only stating "this year" as a timeframe, iOS 26.4 was long considered a realistic target internally. Now, iOS 26.5 is emerging as the more likely release date.
Particularly affected: Access to personal data
According to the report, one feature in particular is the focus of the delay: Siri's expanded ability to access personal data.
This technology will enable Siri to specifically search for content such as old text messages. An example from the report: If Siri is asked to find a podcast that a friend shared via message some time ago, the assistant should be able to locate the message and play the podcast directly.
This deeper integration with personal data is technically demanding and sensitive. It is precisely this feature that is likely to be significantly delayed.
Voice-based control of in-app actions is lagging behind
In addition to accessing personal data, Apple is working on voice-based control of in-app actions. The goal is to trigger complex processes within apps solely via voice command.
According to the report, this feature is also behind schedule. However, these features are still expected to be released as part of an update for iOS 26. Therefore, it's not impossible that they will be delivered before iOS 27, even if individual components are delayed.
Internal challenges at Apple
Although Apple has a clear deal with Google regarding the use of the Gemini models, the integration remains entirely Apple's responsibility. This includes system connectivity, user experience, and, above all, data privacy.
The delays suggest that Apple is struggling internally to complete the final product on time. The report doesn't provide specific details about the reasons, but it's clear that development is taking longer than planned.
Siri in iOS 27: Development towards a chatbot
Beyond the initial Gemini-powered improvements, Gurman reports that Apple intends to position Siri more like a chatbot with iOS 27.
This would mean that Siri would work in a more dialogue-oriented way in the future and be able to hold longer, context-related conversations. Apple would thus be aligning itself more closely with modern AI systems that function less as classic voice assistants and more as interactive chatbots.
Apple is postponing Siri innovations to later iOS versions
Apple is apparently postponing the introduction of Gemini-based Siri features beyond iOS 26.4. While iOS 26.5 is now targeted for release in May, some individual features might not appear until iOS 27 in September.
The delays are primarily due to the expanded use of personal data and voice-based control of in-app actions. At the same time, Apple is working on a long-term strategy to develop Siri more into a chatbot. (Image: Mojahid_Mottakin / DepositPhotos.com)
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