Apple continues to work on its AI-powered assistant and plans to introduce important Siri improvements with iOS 18.5. These new features were originally supposed to appear with iOS 18.4, but software problems and insufficient preparation are apparently the reason for the delay. Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman reports that Apple is now planning to deliver the Apple Intelligence features for Siri with iOS 18.5. These improvements are not included in the first beta of iOS 18.4, which suggests that Apple will only release them with the subsequent version.
A report by Mark Gurman according to Apple initially planned to introduce the new Siri functions in iOS 18.4. But apparently there are delays, so the improvements are now set to appear in iOS 18.5. Gurman cites software errors and a lack of preparation as reasons. Since none of these new features are included in the first beta version of iOS 18.4, it is unlikely that they will be added in the short term. Gurman assumes that Apple will not release the new Siri functions until iOS 18.5 in May. Nevertheless, it is not completely impossible that some of the planned improvements will appear in a later beta version of iOS 18.4. At the moment, however, it looks as if Apple is relying on the release with iOS 18.5.
What's new in iOS 18.5
Siri gets smarter with Apple Intelligence
Apple plans to equip Siri with AI features that will enable the voice assistant to better understand screen content, analyze user context, and provide deeper integration with apps.
- Screen awareness: Siri should be able to recognize what is happening on the iPhone screen and provide intelligent answers based on that.
- Personal context: The assistant should learn to better understand the context of a request and respond accordingly.
- Deeper app integration: Siri will be able to more specifically access content within apps and provide more relevant answers.
Apple already showed at WWDC 2024 how these improvements could work in practice. One example was a user who asked Siri about his mother's flight schedule. Siri then analyzed the emails and messages to provide an appropriate answer. This type of intelligent interaction is to be implemented with iOS 18.5.
Support for Apple Intelligence in China
Until now, many of Apple's AI features have not been available in China. This is set to change with iOS 18.5. Apple plans to release Apple Intelligence technology there as well, so that users in China can benefit from the improvements.
release and beta phase
Apple has been testing iOS 18.5 internally since February 2025. According to Mark Gurman, the update is expected to be released in May 2025. However, the public beta phase may begin sooner. If you participate in the Apple Beta program, you have the chance to test some of these new features before the official release.
Which iPhones are compatible with Apple Intelligence?
Not all iPhone models will support the new Siri features. Apple Intelligence will only be available on powerful devices. The compatible models are:
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 (all models)
Older iPhones will not receive the new Siri features. If you have an older device and want to use the new AI features, you will need to upgrade to one of the supported models.
Siri upgrade coming later: iOS 18.5 brings the expected features
With iOS 18.5, Apple is bringing the expected Siri improvements that were originally planned for iOS 18.4. The delay seems to be related to software problems and inadequate preparation. The update will bring, among other things, improved screen perception, better context understanding and deeper app integration for Siri. In addition, Apple Intelligence will be made available in China. The update is expected in May 2025, but the beta phase will begin earlier. Since the new features are only available on current iPhones such as the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and the entire iPhone 16 series, users of older devices will have to do without the new Siri features. (Image: Apple)
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