Apple confirms delay for ‘more personalised’ Siri, likely arriving with iOS 19

Apple has confirmed that its highly anticipated “more personalised Siri” update is facing delays and will not be ready as soon as expected. Initially set for release with iOS 18, the enhanced Siri is now likely to arrive with iOS 19, meaning users may not see these features until next year.

A company spokeswoman stated that Apple is still working on the new Siri experience and expects to introduce these advanced capabilities “in the coming year.” The upgrade, which was announced at WWDC 2024 in June, promises a more natural, context-aware, and personalised interaction with Siri. Key features include Personal Context Understanding, Onscreen Awareness, and In-App Actions.

What to expect from the upgraded Siri

Apple has not provided an exact launch date, but the delay suggests the features could be bundled with iOS 19 rather than a later iOS 18 update. This would mean users might have to wait until at least September or later in 2025 to experience the improvements.

The “more personalised Siri” update aims to make the voice assistant smarter by understanding personal context, responding based on what’s displayed on the screen, and performing complex in-app actions. These upgrades are expected to enhance daily tasks and improve Siri’s usefulness in handling personalised requests.

The postponement of Siri’s AI advancements could also impact Apple’s broader push into the smart home market. Apple has been working on several AI-powered home devices, and the delay raises questions about their integration with the new Siri.

Apple’s smart home ambitions could be affected

Apple is reportedly developing several smart home devices, including an AI-powered wall tablet, a Face ID-enabled doorbell, and a smart security camera. The AI wall tablet, first reported by Bloomberg in November 2024, is designed as a central control hub for home automation, featuring Siri and video calling capabilities.

Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously suggested that this device was initially expected to launch in early 2025. Still, software development challenges may push its release to the third quarter of the year, following WWDC 2025.

The delay in rolling out Siri’s enhanced AI features could impact Apple’s ability to compete with smart home leaders like Amazon and Google. However, Apple is known for prioritising quality over speed, so users can expect a polished experience once the features finally arrive.

For now, Apple enthusiasts will have to wait longer to experience the next-generation Siri, but if Apple’s track record is any indication, the wait could be worth it.