Siri is facing its biggest change since its introduction. After years of relatively minor improvements, a comprehensive AI upgrade is expected in 2026. Apple plans to technically rebuild the voice assistant, making it significantly more powerful. The focus is on iOS 26.4, which is considered the foundation for the new Siri. Recent reports and hints from the system code suggest that the launch is imminent.
The modernization of Siri was announced some time ago but has been repeatedly delayed. According to previous reports from Bloomberg, it is now finally happening. Apple has apparently decided internally to completely replace Siri's current technical foundation. This change will become visible to users for the first time with iOS 26.4. With this move, Apple is also responding to the growing pressure from AI systems, which are already significantly more flexible and conversational.
iOS 26.4 as the starting point for the new Siri
For some time now, iOS 26.4 has been considered the update that will introduce the new Siri. This assessment was not only spread by Bloomberg but also supported by code leaks from iOS 26. Currently, iOS 26.3 is still in beta. Nevertheless, based on previous releases, it's possible to estimate fairly accurately when iOS 26.4 might be released. A look at the last iOS x.4 versions reveals a clear pattern.
- iOS 18.4 was released on March 31st.
- iOS 17.4 was released on March 5th.
- iOS 16.4 was released on March 27th.
Based on this, a release of iOS 26.4 in March is very likely. A date towards the end of the month, in particular, fits with most previous releases.
Why an earlier appointment is also possible
The exact date isn't set in stone, however. iOS 17.4 was released relatively early in March, demonstrating Apple's flexibility in managing the schedule. The crucial factor is the start of the beta phase.
The first betas for iOS 18.4 and iOS 16.4 began in mid-February. iOS 17.4, however, received its first beta at the end of January. Should Apple start iOS 26.4 similarly early and release the first beta in January, a release in early March would also be conceivable. If the beta start is delayed until mid-February, a release at the end of March seems likely. The beta schedule is therefore likely to be the most important factor in determining the final release date.
Siri's technical realignment
With iOS 26.4, Siri is being completely rebuilt. The existing architecture, which has been expanded over many years, is being replaced by an LLM-based system. LLM stands for Large Language Model and also forms the basis of modern AI chatbots.
This change should be clearly noticeable. The new Siri is designed to understand language better, recognize context, and respond more flexibly to requests. Instead of rigid, single commands, a dialogue-like approach will take center stage, similar to familiar AI systems in the chatbot field.
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Features that are expected to come with the new Siri
The new architecture enables several features that were originally planned for iOS 18 but were subsequently postponed. These include App Intenses, which allow complex tasks to be controlled across apps using voice commands. Additionally, it incorporates personal contextual knowledge, enabling Siri to consider information from user behavior. Also included is Screen Awareness, which allows Siri to recognize content on the display and incorporate it into commands.
Apple has announced that these features represent only a portion of what will be possible with the new technical foundation. Further enhancements are planned once the system is established.
iOS 26.4 marks the turning point for Siri
With iOS 26.4, Siri is undergoing a fundamental relaunch. The combination of a new AI architecture and long-awaited features marks a significant step for Apple's voice assistant. The expected March release aligns with previous release patterns but remains contingent on the start of the beta phase. After the lengthy delays, expectations are high that the additional development time has been used effectively. If the new Siri lives up to its promises, it could once again play a central role in the Apple ecosystem for the first time in years. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Koshiro K)
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