The revamped Siri aims to handle complex, multi-step tasks by integrating deeply with user data and on-screen content, promising a more seamless experience for iPhone and iPad users. This delay marks another setback for a project that has faced multiple timeline shifts and internal challenges.
A Rocky Road to Release
Originally planned for fall 2024, the Siri upgrade was pushed to early 2025, then May, and now spring 2026. Bloomberg reports that engineering hurdles, particularly a flawed hybrid architecture blending old and new systems, caused failures in about a third of test cases. These issues slowed progress and frustrated Apple’s efforts to deliver a reliable, high-quality assistant.
At WWDC 2025, Craig Federighi, Apple’s software chief, addressed the delays, stating the project needed more time to meet the company’s “high quality bar.” Unlike other Apple Intelligence features showcased, Siri received no public demo, signaling the complexity of the overhaul.
Leadership Shuffles and a Rebuilt Core
The delays have reshaped Apple’s AI leadership. John Giannandrea, former head of AI, has been moved away from consumer-facing projects like Siri due to missed deadlines. Craig Federighi and Mike Rockwell, Vision Pro lead, now oversee the effort. The core technology, known as Siri LLM (Large Language Model), is being rebuilt from the ground up to ensure stability and performance.
This shift reflects Apple’s determination to get Siri right, as the assistant is central to its ecosystem. A buggy or underwhelming release could erode user trust, especially as competitors like Google and Amazon advance their own AI assistants.
What’s Coming: A Smarter, Proactive Siri
The upgraded Siri aims to act as a digital copilot, handling tasks like scheduling, answering contextual questions, and interacting with apps more intuitively. For example, it could pull details from a calendar and email to plan a meeting without manual input. Apple is also exploring a chatbot-like app called Knowledge, which could tap into the open web for broader, real-time answers.
While these features sound promising, their success hinges on execution. Apple’s cautious “in the coming year” phrasing avoids locking in a firm date, leaving room for further adjustments. March 2026 is the current target, but users should expect flexibility in case of additional hurdles.
For tech enthusiasts and casual users alike, a smarter Siri could transform how we interact with Apple devices. A more capable assistant means less time navigating apps and more time getting things done—whether it’s managing daily tasks or troubleshooting on the go. However, the repeated delays underscore the challenge of building AI that’s both powerful and reliable, especially under Apple’s high standards.
As Apple refines Siri, the focus remains on practical benefits: faster, more accurate responses that make devices feel like true partners. With competitors closing in, the pressure is on to deliver a standout experience.
