Apple’s Siri relaunch faces delays amid technical issues
Apple’s AI-powered Siri relaunch faces delays, with features now expected to roll out gradually due to technical issues.
Apple’s ambitious plan to relaunch Siri with advanced artificial intelligence features is facing fresh delays, with the redesigned assistant now unlikely to arrive as originally scheduled. Reports suggest the company has encountered technical challenges that could push the rollout back by several months and lead to a gradual release of features rather than a full launch.
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The redesigned Siri was positioned as a major step forward for Apple’s software, promising to compete more directly with AI-driven assistants and chatbots. However, early testing has reportedly exposed performance problems that Apple is still working to resolve.
Apple struggles with performance during testing
According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, Apple discovered several issues during internal testing of the new Siri software. The virtual assistant reportedly took too long to complete tasks and, in some cases, failed to process user requests properly. These problems led developers to believe that the planned launch schedule was no longer realistic.
Instead of releasing the redesigned Siri in March, Apple is now expected to roll out new capabilities gradually through future software updates. This approach would allow the company to improve performance over time while avoiding a large-scale release that might disappoint users.
The redesigned assistant was previously expected to appear in an iOS 26.4 update. However, the new plan could see only a limited set of features released in the near term, with additional updates scheduled for later in the year. Further improvements may arrive with iOS 26.5 in May and with iOS 27 towards the end of the year, depending on Apple’s progress.
This incremental rollout reflects Apple’s cautious approach to major software changes, particularly those involving artificial intelligence. The company has often preferred to refine features before a full release, even if it means missing earlier deadlines.
A long-promised AI upgrade for Siri
Apple first unveiled the redesigned Siri in 2024, presenting it as a more capable assistant that could handle complex tasks and automate everyday actions. The company said the new version would be able to find specific photos, track details, add information to contact cards, edit images, and share note summaries by email.
The company originally planned to bring these features to iOS users in 2025. However, Apple later acknowledged that the project was taking longer than expected. In a statement, the company said, “It’s going to take us longer than we thought to deliver on these features, and we anticipate rolling them out in the coming year.”
That delay marked a significant shift in Apple’s AI strategy, as rivals such as Google and OpenAI continued to advance their own generative AI tools. The redesigned Siri was meant to showcase Apple’s ability to integrate AI into its ecosystem while maintaining its focus on privacy and user experience.
The new Siri is expected to behave more like an AI chatbot, capable of understanding context and carrying out multi-step requests. This would represent a major upgrade from the current assistant, which is often criticised for its limited capabilities and inconsistent performance.
Google Gemini to power parts of the new assistant
Apple has confirmed that Google’s Gemini models will play a role in powering the new Siri. On 1 January, the company said it had evaluated several options before deciding on Google’s technology. In a statement, Apple said, “After careful evaluation, Apple determined that Google’s AI technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and is excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for Apple users.”
The decision to use Google’s AI models highlights the growing complexity of building large-scale AI systems. Apple has traditionally developed much of its technology in-house, but the rapid pace of AI development has led companies to collaborate or rely on external models to accelerate progress.
Industry analysts say Apple’s move could help Siri catch up with competitors such as ChatGPT and Google Assistant, which already offer conversational features and generative responses. However, relying on third-party AI also raises questions about integration, performance, and privacy, areas where Apple has built its reputation.
Despite the delays, Apple is expected to continue investing heavily in AI features across its software platforms. The gradual rollout of the new Siri may allow the company to refine its approach and address technical issues before a wider release.
For users, the updated assistant could offer more natural conversations, smarter automation, and deeper integration with Apple devices. However, the timeline for a full launch remains uncertain, and the company has not provided a firm date for when all features will be available.
