Apple has delivered an unusually large number of new features in a short period. Within just three weeks, eight new products were unveiled, Mac sales broke records, and 13 improvements were introduced for the iPhone. Despite this abundance of updates, attention is now focused on a topic that has been anticipated for years: the next major evolution of Siri. The focus will be on "Apple Intelligence" and a significantly more personalized version of the voice assistant.
The further development of Siri is one of Apple's most important long-term projects. While other companies have made faster progress in the field of artificial intelligence, Apple has deliberately taken a step-by-step approach. With Apple Intelligence and the integration of external AI technology, a major leap forward is now expected.
The collaboration with Google is particularly striking. Apple's reliance on Gemini demonstrates a strategic openness without abandoning its own fundamental principles such as data privacy and local processing. The new Siri is intended to be more powerful without relinquishing control over user data.
Apple's previous steps towards Apple Intelligence
Apple first introduced Apple Intelligence at WWDC on June 10, 2024. The system was part of iOS 18 and was designed to fundamentally improve Siri. In the following months, many features were gradually rolled out across several updates.
- iOS 18.1
- iOS 18.2
- iOS 18.3
- iOS 18.4
However, a significant portion of the planned features were missing throughout the entire iOS 18 cycle. These included, in particular:
- Personal Intelligence
- In-app actions across multiple applications
- Screen recognition
These features were not completed in time and were therefore postponed.
Delay of personalized Siri
On March 7, 2025, Apple officially confirmed that development was delayed. In the statement, the company explained that Siri had already been improved, including through:
- a more dialogue-oriented communication
- the introduction of "Type to Siri"
- expanded product knowledge
- Integration with ChatGPT
At the same time, it was emphasized that a personalized Siri, which better understands personal context and can perform actions across apps, will require more time. Apple deliberately stated that these features are expected to appear "next year," signaling that a release no earlier than 2026 is realistic.
Collaboration with Google and Gemini
On January 12, 2026, Apple and Google announced a partnership. The goal is a multi-year collaboration in which future Apple models will be based on Google's Gemini technology. Specifically, this means:
- Apple Foundation models are partly built on Gemini.
- This enables new Apple Intelligence features.
- A more personalized Siri is expected to be released later this year.
Apple justified the decision by stating that Gemini offers the most powerful foundation for these models. At the same time, processing remains tied to Apple's infrastructure, including "Private Cloud Compute." The focus on data privacy remains unchanged.
Postponement of the new Siri features
It was originally expected that the first Gemini-based improvements would appear with iOS 26.4. This version was indeed released, but it did not include the new Siri features. Instead, reports indicate that Apple has postponed the rollout to:
- iOS 26.5
- iOS 27
Additionally, Apple has hinted that the new features could be more extensive than originally planned. This suggests that not only will the delayed features be added, but also further new functions.
Classification of upcoming iOS versions
It is considered likely that Apple will integrate the features originally planned for iOS 18 into iOS 26.5. This version should provide a stable foundation before iOS 27 is released in September.
New, as yet unannounced features could be reserved for iOS 27. These would then be unveiled in June and further developed throughout the summer before being released in the fall.
Possible release schedule
A look at Apple's previous update schedule provides clues about possible dates. The last releases followed a clear pattern:
- iOS 26.3 Release Candidate: Wednesday, February 4
- iOS 26.3 final version: Wednesday, February 11
- iOS 26.4 Beta 1: Monday, February 16
This corresponds to:
- seven days between release candidate and final version
- five days until the next beta
The following is already known for iOS 26.4:
- Release Candidate: Wednesday, March 18
If you apply the pattern, you get:
- Possible iOS 26.5 Beta 1 release: Monday, March 30
Should Apple adhere to this schedule and integrate the first Gemini features, the new Siri features could actually be available for the first time in March, at least in a developer beta.
Optimistic and realistic assessment
The described timeline is considered optimistic. Technically, it would be possible, but it requires that the relevant functions are already sufficiently stable.
A more realistic assessment suggests that the beta could be delayed until mid-April. Ultimately, everything depends on which features are completed in time.
One thing is certain: Apple will soon show in concrete terms what the next generation of Siri and Apple Intelligence will look like.
Apple's next big step for Siri
Apple has been working for years on a fundamental improvement to Siri. With Apple Intelligence and the integration of Gemini, the biggest leap forward in development to date is now imminent. The combination of personalized contextual understanding, cross-app actions, and modern AI technology could make Siri significantly more powerful than before.
Whether the first features appear in March or are slightly delayed, it doesn't change the strategic importance of this update. Apple is preparing a new phase in its AI development, which is likely to shape the entire ecosystem in the long term. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Mamun_Sheikh)
- Old Blackberry deals are catching up with Apple in court
- OpenAI develops desktop super app for macOS
- Apple achieves record launch with affordable MacBook Neo
- Apple earned $900 million from AI Apps in 2025
- Apple grows strongly in 2026 despite a weak China market
- Google is working on a Gemini app for macOS users
- Apple Health is getting smarter with AI through Perplexity Health
- Apple extends its 50th anniversary celebration to more countries
- Apple vs. Masimo: Decision on the Watch function
- Apple warns of attacks: iOS update now required
- AppleCare One: Hints of an imminent launch in Europe
- Apple in the crosshairs: Brazil investigates NFC restrictions
- Apple TV expands cast of The Morning Show
- iPhone remains central: Tim Cook sees a great future
- macOS 26.4: These are the most important new features
- tvOS 26.4: Genius Browse delivers better recommendations
- Apple in AI lawsuit: Dispute over data and copyright
- iPhone security vulnerability: Why iOS 26.3 is so important
- iOS 26.4: Family Sharing becomes more flexible with payments
- iOS 26.4 Update: Release Candidate now available
- Apple and China: Conflict overshadows major anniversary celebration
- Apple is scrutiny: Why AI Vibe coding is under pressure
- WhatsApp replaces settings with a new profile tab
