Siri Overhaul Faces Fresh Delays in Testing - AI News Today Recency

# Siri Overhaul Faces Fresh Delays in Testing: What's Happening with Apple's AI Assistant

Apple's highly anticipated Siri overhaul is hitting fresh technical roadblocks, with internal testing revealing significant performance issues that are pushing key features further into the spring and fall release schedules[1][3]. What was originally planned as a March debut alongside iOS 26.4 is now fragmenting across multiple software updates, as engineers scramble to address reliability, speed, and accuracy problems that have emerged during development[1][3].

The delays underscore the complexity of Apple's ambitious effort to transform Siri from a command-based assistant into a more conversational, AI-powered chatbot capable of understanding context and accessing personal data[1][3]. The situation also highlights mounting pressure within Apple's AI division, which has recently experienced the departure of top researchers and executives[1].

Technical Issues Derailing the Siri Launch Timeline

Internal testing has uncovered several persistent bugs and performance problems that are forcing Apple to stagger the release of Siri's new capabilities[1][3]. The redesigned assistant reportedly doesn't always process queries correctly and suffers from significant processing lag when handling complex requests[1][3]. Testers have also identified a critical bug that causes Siri to cut users off when they speak too quickly, a fundamental usability issue for a voice assistant[1][3].

One of the most anticipated features—Siri's ability to tap into personal data like text messages and emails to retrieve specific information—is particularly at risk of slipping[3]. This capability would allow users to ask Siri to find a podcast link in their messages and play it immediately, but early internal versions suggest the feature may launch with warnings that it remains incomplete or unreliable[3].

Beyond these core issues, Advanced App Intents designed to enable more precise, multi-step voice control over third-party applications are also running behind schedule[1]. Early support exists in iOS 26.5, but employees testing the software report that these features do not function reliably in all cases[1].

The New Release Timeline: Spreading Features Across Multiple Updates

Rather than delivering all features in a single update, Apple is now distributing Siri enhancements across multiple iOS releases throughout 2026[1][3]. While the company originally targeted iOS 26.4 in March, several capabilities are now being pushed to iOS 26.5 in May or even iOS 27 in September[1][3]. The situation remains fluid, however, and plans could shift again depending on testing results[1].

This fragmented approach reflects the scope and complexity of what Apple is attempting. The revamped Siri is built on a new architecture codenamed Linwood, powered by Apple's own large language models but incorporating technology from Google's Gemini team[3]. Meanwhile, iOS 27 will introduce an even more ambitious Siri chatbot experience powered by Google's Gemini, with the project internally codenamed "Campo"[1][3].

Apple's Broader AI Strategy and Development Challenges

The Siri delays add significant pressure to Apple's already ambitious AI roadmap[1]. The company is simultaneously developing a broader overhaul for iOS 27, aimed at turning Siri into a more conversational chatbot that relies more heavily on Google servers and advanced Gemini models[1]. This dual-track development effort—maintaining the current Siri improvements while building the next-generation chatbot—has strained resources across Apple's AI division[1].

According to statements from Apple software engineering chief Craig Federighi, the core challenge stems from Apple's initial attempt to merge two separate systems: one for handling current commands and another based on large language models[5]. This hybrid approach ultimately failed due to architectural constraints, forcing Apple to rebuild Siri around a second-generation architecture centered on large language models[5]. While Federighi indicated in an August 2025 all-hands meeting that this revamp would enable a "bigger upgrade than originally promised," the technical difficulties emerging in testing suggest the path forward remains complex[5].

When Users Can Expect to See New Siri Features

Developers should anticipate the first beta of iOS 26.4 around late February or early March 2026, with a public release expected around the end of March[4]. However, given the performance issues uncovered during internal testing, the timeline could shift if additional problems emerge during beta testing[4].

For the most advanced features, users may need to wait until summer or fall 2026. Apple is expected to preview broader iOS 27 capabilities at WWDC 2026 around June, with wider availability of the next-generation Siri chatbot coming later that year[2]. In the interim, some features may launch with preview toggles or warnings indicating they are incomplete or unreliable, similar to a public beta[3].

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific Siri features are being delayed?

The delayed features include Siri's ability to access personal data from text messages and emails, Advanced App Intents for multi-step voice control over third-party apps, and improvements to query processing and response speed[1][3]. These capabilities were originally promised for iOS 18 but are now staggered across iOS 26.5 and iOS 27[1][3].

Why is Apple delaying the Siri overhaul?

Internal testing has revealed multiple technical problems: Siri doesn't always process queries correctly, experiences significant processing lag with complex requests, and has a bug causing it to cut users off when they speak quickly[1][3]. Additionally, the feature for accessing personal data is proving unreliable in testing[3].

When will the new Siri features actually arrive?

Apple originally targeted March 2026 with iOS 26.4, but key features are now expected in iOS 26.5 (May 2026) or iOS 27 (September 2026)[1][3]. The situation remains fluid and timelines could shift again[1]. Beta testing is expected to begin in late February or early March[4].

Is Apple still using Google's technology for the new Siri?

Yes. The revamped Siri architecture codenamed Linwood incorporates technology from Google's Gemini team, and iOS 27 will feature an even more advanced Siri chatbot powered by Google's Gemini models[1][3]. Apple announced a partnership with Google to integrate Gemini 3 models into Siri and Apple Intelligence[4].

Why did Apple originally promise these features so early?

At WWDC 2024, Apple showcased a smarter, AI-powered version of Siri alongside iOS 18, promising delivery in an update to iOS 18[5]. However, Apple underestimated the technical complexity of merging two separate systems—one for current commands and another based on large language models—ultimately requiring a complete architectural redesign[5].

Have there been any legal consequences from the Siri delays?

Yes. Some users who purchased iPhone 16 devices specifically for the new Siri features filed lawsuits against Apple over the delay[5]. Apple quietly settled the case in December 2025, resolving most of the public backlash surrounding the Siri delays[5].