Apple's AI-enhanced version of Siri is expected to release in spring 2026, which marks a significant delay of almost a year from the initially anticipated launch.
The delay in releasing the smarter Siri voice assistant has been a setback for Apple, highlighting a lag in AI research compared to its competitors.
The new Siri version was originally promised at WWDC in June 2024 with an update to iOS 18, but the rollout was postponed to sometime in the coming year by March 2025.
Internal sources suggest that Apple has set a target release window for spring 2026 as part of iOS 26.4, coinciding with the usual OS update schedule.
Apple may demonstrate the enhanced Siri with the iPhone 17 launch in the autumn following the cautious approach after the previous over-hyping.
During WWDC25, Craig Federighi mentioned that Apple is working on delivering features to make Siri more personalized but requires additional time to ensure high quality.
Federighi cited optimism as the reason behind the initial Siri announcement delay, as Apple aimed to improve its AI architecture, leading to a necessary shift to a second version.
Apple's AI efforts with Siri aim to enhance everyday tasks for users rather than extravagant AI feats like generating movies, focusing on improved task understanding.
The upcoming Siri version is depicted as capable of handling complex tasks such as sending photos, demonstrating a more comprehensive understanding and execution ability.
The new Siri iteration is branded as 'AI for the rest of us' to emphasize its utility for typical users in performing various tasks efficiently.
Apple's delayed AI-enhanced Siri release date underscores the company's commitment to delivering a high-quality product that enhances user experiences.
The anticipation for the smarter Siri version remains high as users look forward to experiencing the promised advancements in voice assistant technology.
The long delay in the Siri release serves as a learning experience for Apple, emphasizing the challenges and complexities involved in AI development.
Apple's focus on refining Siri to cater to typical user needs reflects a strategic shift towards enhancing user interactions and productivity with the voice assistant.
The upcoming launch of the AI-enhanced Siri signals a new era for voice assistants, offering users enhanced capabilities and improved functionality in everyday tasks.