With iOS 26.5, Apple has released a new beta version of its operating system. Expectations focused primarily on improvements to Siri and the announced "Apple Intelligence" features. However, the current version reveals that the new features are completely absent. This raises questions about the timeline and further development of Siri.
Since unveiling the new Siri features at WWDC 2024, Apple has been working on a fundamental overhaul of its voice assistant. The goal is a significantly more intelligent, context-aware, and powerful version.
These features were originally intended to be included in iOS 26. However, development is progressing more slowly than planned. The current situation surrounding iOS 26.5 makes it clear that Apple has adjusted its strategy.
iOS 26.5 Beta without Apple Intelligence features
The released beta of iOS 26.5 contains no new Siri features. In particular, all the announced "Apple Intelligence" enhancements are missing.
This is remarkable, as Apple apparently had already progressed further internally. According to reports, engineers were using iOS 26.5 for testing with precisely these features. These internal versions are said to have already included all the features announced at WWDC 2024.
These features are not present in the public beta. There is also no indication that they are currently enabled or hidden within the version.
Original schedule and initial delays
Apple had originally planned to introduce the new Siri features with iOS 26.4. However, this timeline could not be met.
Back in February, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple was having difficulty completing the new features on time due to accuracy issues. At that time, it was considered possible that the release could be delayed until iOS 26.5 or even iOS 27.
In parallel, Apple officially confirmed in the spring of 2025 that development was delayed. The reason given was that Siri was not yet mature enough and required additional development time.
Internal testing, but no public implementation
The discrepancy between internal tests and the current beta version is striking. While Apple apparently already experimented with working versions internally, there is no sign of this in the developer beta.
Theoretically, these features could be added in later beta versions of iOS 26.5. In practice, however, this scenario is becoming increasingly unlikely. The reason is the timeline: the closer WWDC 2026 gets, the more the focus shifts to the next major iOS version.
Focus shift to iOS 27
Currently, there are strong indications that Apple will postpone the new Siri features entirely to iOS 27. This version is expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2026 and is anticipated to be released in September 2026.
According to recent reports, iOS 27 will not only bring individual improvements, but a comprehensive redesign of Siri.
Siri becomes an AI chatbot
The upcoming version of Siri is expected to go significantly beyond the features shown so far. Planned features include:
- a standalone Siri chatbot app
- Significantly improved speech processing
- context-based and longer dialogues
- deeper integration into apps and system functions
This transforms Siri from a classic voice assistant into a fully-fledged AI system. The goal is to compete with established AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude.
Apple's timeline remains formally valid
When Apple unveiled the new Siri features in June 2024, a rollout sometime in 2025 was anticipated. This plan was later revised.
After the official delay, Apple no longer gave a specific date, but confirmed that the new Siri version is expected to be released in 2026.
Despite the delays, Apple remains on track with its own timeline. As long as the features are released before the end of 2026, the original goal is considered achieved.
iOS 26.5 without a Siri upgrade: Waiting for iOS 27
iOS 26.5 brings no improvements to Siri and includes none of the expected Apple intelligence features. Instead, it shows that Apple needs more time for development.
Evidence is mounting that the comprehensive new features will only appear with iOS 27. A significantly improved version of Siri is expected there, one that is more closely aligned with modern AI chatbots. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Nwz)
- iOS 26.5 and more: Apple launches the next beta phase
- Apple subsidiary violates Russia sanctions
- Apple hires Google Manager for AI Strategy
- Apple explains: Lockdown Mode has never been overcome
- Apple tightens rules for Medical Apps in the Store
- iCloud: Why "Hide email" doesn't always protect you
- Mac Pro discontinued: Apple confirms final demise
- Social Media Apps: Court Confirms Addiction Risk
- Apple adds new partners to its Manufacturing Program
- Apple sets new standards in AI image captioning
- Apple reaches settlement with former employee after Vision Pro data theft
- Apple defies weak smartphone market in China
- Apple TV unveils first Trailer for Star City
- iOS 26.4 Update: Over 35 security vulnerabilities fixed
- Apple Analytics: More insights for App Developers
- AirPods Max 2 available for pre-order: Here's what the new model offers
- Apple under pressure: Poland plans tax on services
- Apple Safari 26.4: 44 features and 191 bugs fixed
- Apple update prevents problems with older Apple Watches
- WhatsApp is testing a new design for voice messages
- OpenAI discontinues Sora: Here's the reason behind the shutdown
