With iOS 26.4, the first beta version is available for developers and public beta testers. Expectations were high, especially for new features related to the revamped Siri with Apple Intelligence. However, these hopes have not yet been fulfilled. The current beta lacks all the announced new Siri features. The release has therefore generated less excitement and more disappointment. iOS 26.4 had long been considered a possible launch date for the personalized Siri generation.
After Apple announced a delay of the Apple Intelligence version of Siri in March 2025, iOS 26.4 increasingly came into focus. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, in particular, reported several times that Apple had internally set iOS 26.4 as the target for the introduction of the new Siri features.
He reiterated this timeline in several subsequent reports. As recently as the end of January, he stated that Apple planned to introduce the more personalized version of Siri in February. Consequently, expectations surrounding the first beta of iOS 26.4 were high.
Shortly before the release, however, the situation changed. Gurman reported that the Siri update would not be part of iOS 26.4 after all. Apparently, there were still development problems, forcing Apple to postpone the rollout.
iOS 26.4 Beta: Available, but without a Siri update
The first beta of iOS 26.4 is now available to developers and public beta testers. However, it does not include any new Apple Intelligence Siri features.
Internal plans reportedly indicated the integration of the new Siri version in iOS 26.4 until shortly before its release. Ultimately, however, the feature was not completed in time. According to reports, the new Siri version was postponed to iOS 26.5 or even iOS 27.
A later beta version of iOS 26.4 could theoretically contain new features. However, this is not guaranteed.
Background: Apple Intelligence and the new Siri architecture
Apple first unveiled the "Apple Intelligence" version of Siri at the Worldwide Developers Conference 2024. The new Siri generation was originally slated to be released with iOS 18.
To implement the announced features, Apple had to completely overhaul Siri's underlying architecture. This rebuild has now been underway for more than a year. Planned features include:
- Enhanced personalization features
- Screen perception, i.e., the understanding of content on the display.
- Improved capabilities to perform actions within apps and between different apps
Not all functions are working reliably yet. Internal reports mention accuracy issues. Furthermore, Siri apparently takes too long to respond to certain requests. Some requests are not being processed correctly. These technical difficulties are considered the main reason for the delay in iOS 26.4.
Possible release with iOS 26.5 or iOS 27
According to current information, developers are already using iOS 26.5 for further internal testing of the new Siri features. This suggests that at least some of Apple's intelligence features could appear in this update.
Alternatively, Apple could postpone the full rollout until iOS 27. iOS 27 is expected to be unveiled in June at WWDC. A staggered release across several iOS versions is also considered possible.
Gurman reports that the new Siri features could be spread across several upcoming updates. Some components might appear with iOS 26.5, others later.
Official statement and timeframe
Following reports of the missed launch in iOS 26.4, Apple confirmed to CNBC that the new version of Siri is expected to be released sometime in 2026.
It's important to note that Apple never gave a more specific date than "2026". Therefore, this isn't a second official delay, but rather a disappointment stemming from expectations created by media reports.
Since 2026 extends until December, Apple remains within its announced timeframe. Even if the new Siri features are delayed until iOS 27, the publicly communicated goal would still be met.
According to Gurman, Apple executives are hesitant to postpone the launch beyond spring 2026. This means a release within the iOS 26 series remains a possibility.
iOS 26.4 without Siri restart: Development continues
iOS 26.4 is released as a beta without the expected Apple Intelligence Siri features. The reasons apparently lie in technical challenges, particularly regarding speed, accuracy, and Siri's new architecture.
The new personalized Siri version is still slated for 2026. Whether it will be released with iOS 26.5, in a later beta of iOS 26.4, or only with iOS 27 is currently unknown.
One thing is certain: Apple is continuing to modernize Siri. iOS 26.4 doesn't mark a reboot, but rather another step in a longer-term development process. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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