Key Highlights:

• The update was expected in iOS 26.4 but may now roll out gradually.
• Some features could shift to May’s iOS update or even iOS 27.
• Testing issues reportedly forced Apple to slow deployment.

Apple has reportedly delayed the much-anticipated AI upgrade for Siri once again. The enhanced version of Siri, first introduced alongside Apple Intelligence in 2024, was expected to arrive with iOS 26.4 in March. However, new reports suggest the rollout will now happen more gradually — and some features may not arrive until iOS 27 in September.

The delay matters because Siri is central to Apple’s broader AI strategy. A modern, LLM-powered assistant is key to competing with emerging AI chatbots across platforms.

Why Is Siri Delayed Again?

According to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple encountered technical challenges during internal testing. These issues reportedly forced the company to postpone the launch timeline.

Instead of delivering a full-featured AI assistant in one update, Apple may now release capabilities in phases. Some features could arrive in a May software update. Others may shift to iOS 27 later this year.

Apple has not officially confirmed the revised timeline.

What Was the New Siri Supposed to Offer?

The upgraded Siri was expected to behave more like large language model (LLM) chatbots. Instead of launching separate apps such as ChatGPT or Claude, users would interact directly with Siri through voice commands.

Reports suggest the assistant may rely on Google Gemini models for advanced AI processing. That integration could allow Siri to handle more complex, conversational, and context-aware queries.

The goal appears clear: transform Siri from a task-based voice assistant into a conversational AI companion embedded across iPhone and Mac.

How Does This Affect iOS 26 and iOS 27?

The original expectation placed the Siri upgrade in iOS 26.4. Now, the rollout may stretch across multiple updates. Some AI improvements could appear in smaller software patches before the broader iOS 27 launch.

This staggered release strategy suggests Apple is prioritizing stability over speed. However, it also signals that Apple Intelligence features may take longer to fully mature.

What It Means for Users

For now, users will need to wait longer for the next generation of Siri. While incremental improvements may appear, the full AI transformation could align with iOS 27 in September.

As Apple refines its approach, Siri remains a critical part of its AI roadmap. The delay highlights how complex it is to deploy large-scale AI inside a consumer operating system.

More clarity may emerge as Apple approaches its next software cycle.