Apple Delays Next-Gen AI-Powered Siri Rollout Following Testing Challenges: Gurman

Highlights

• Apple’s next-gen AI-powered Siri faces further delays due to internal testing challenges.
• Features will reportedly roll out in phases with some expected in May with iOS 26.5, others postponed until iOS 27 in September.
• Siri aims to act like a chatbot, integrate deeply across iOS and prioritise privacy with on-device or secure server processing.

Apple’s highly anticipated next-generation Siri upgrade has reportedly been delayed once again. The company first introduced its vision for an advanced, AI-powered Siri alongside Apple Intelligence in 2024. But, nearly a year and a half later, the revamped digital assistant has yet to arrive. A new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests users may need to wait even longer.

Siri Update May Roll Out in Phases

The upgraded Siri was initially expected to debut with the iOS 26.4 update in March. However, latest report indicates that Apple is now planning a staggered release. Some features may be pushed to a May update, while others could be delayed until the launch of iOS 27 in September.

The postponement is said to stem from issues uncovered during internal testing, forcing Apple to revise its launch timeline.

The upcoming changes are expected to transform Siri into a more advanced AI assistant, similar to large language model (LLM) chatbots that currently dominate the tech landscape. Instead of opening apps like ChatGPT or Claude on an iPhone or MacBook, users would be able to interact directly with Siri. The assistant is reportedly set to be powered by Google Gemini technology.

According to Mark Gurman, internal testing revealed multiple problems such as slow response times, misinterpreted queries and a bug that cuts off users who speak quickly, among others. Gurman also reveals that Siri is occasionally defaulting to ChatGPT instead of Apple’s in-house technology. There is also reported delays in advanced app commands (app intents), which enable tasks such as finding, editing, and sending an image through a single voice command.

Moreover, experimental features like web search and custom image generation are currently being tested in iOS 26.5 but have not yet been finalised.

The update is reportedly built on Apple’s new Linwood architecture. It leverages Apple Foundation Models while incorporating Google Gemini technology to enhance performance and capabilities.

Focus on Privacy and Infrastructure

Apple CEO Tim Cook has previously confirmed that the company is developing AI-focused data centre chips to support future AI features. Meanwhile, Craig Federighi has reiterated that personalised AI functionality will prioritise privacy.

According to him, data will remain on-device or on privacy-protecting servers, rather than being logged or used for training purposes. Where necessary, Apple plans to rely on licensed or synthetic data.

iOS 27 – What to Expect?

Looking further ahead, Apple is said to be preparing a major software overhaul under the “Campo” project, covering iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27.

The next-generation Siri under this initiative is expected to operate more like a chatbot and will be deeply integrated across the operating system. It is also expected to rely on custom AI servers powered by Google Gemini technology.

In addition, Siri is expected to work more seamlessly with Apple apps such as Mail, Calendar, and Safari, enabling broader system-wide controls.

Apple’s goal appears to be delivering a more personalised and capable AI assistant while maintaining strict privacy standards. If successful, the revamped Siri could set a new benchmark for device-level artificial intelligence. As of now, users will have to wait a bit longer.

FAQs

Q1. Why has Apple delayed the rollout of its next-generation Siri?

Answer. Internal testing revealed issues such as slow response times, misinterpreted queries, and bugs that cut off users who speak quickly, forcing Apple to revise its timeline.

Q2. When will the upgraded Siri features be released?

Answer. Apple plans a staggered rollout with some features arriving in May with iOS 26.5, while others are delayed until iOS 27 in September.

Q3. What new capabilities will the next-gen Siri offer?

Answer. Siri will operate more like a chatbot, integrate deeply across iOS, securely access personal data, and leverage Apple Foundation Models with Google Gemini technology.

Also Read –

https://www.mymobileindia.com/apple-may-replace-siri-with-gemini-powered-ai-chatbot-experience/

https://www.mymobileindia.com/gemini-powered-siri-could-gain-advanced-conversational-skills-emotional-support-and-proactive-suggestions/