Apple’s Delayed Siri Revamp Still MIA, But Come 2026, Expect Something Big

So, Apple is again bringing us along for a slow ride in the world of AI-powered assistants. According to the latest reporting from Bloomberg, the much-anticipated update to Siri, unveiled at WWDC 2024, isn’t hitting shelves until spring 2026. That’s quite a climb from initial promises, and it raises questions about Apple’s approach to AI—more cautious than pioneering.

Last year, Apple shared a glimpse of what Siri might become—more context-aware, able to interpret your on-screen actions, tailoring responses based on what’s happening in the moment. Picture a Siri that doesn’t just respond to commands but understands your entire interaction flow—imagine the difference. It was a compelling vision, but fast forward to March, and Apple quietly shifted gears, announcing delays with a typical nonchalant line about needing “more time than expected.”

The company’s official word? They plan to “introduce certain features over the next year.” Yet, it’s obvious they’re not rushing, and frankly, this isn’t surprising. Apple has historically taken its sweet time with major AI overhauls—remember how long it took from the initial iOS 14 Siri improvements to see significant results? And, truth be told, the real question isn’t just when Siri will turn into a smarter assistant but whether this scaled-back rollout is enough to keep pace with competitors like Google Assistant or Samsung’s Bixby, both of which are pushing their AI further and faster.

What’s also interesting here is the timing uncertainty. Bloomberg notes Apple hasn’t set a firm release date for the updated Siri. If history is any guide, iOS 26.4—which would include the new Siri—might arrive as soon as March, considering previous iOS updates. But don’t hold your breath; Apple’s pace suggests that features like these might see a staggered, piecemeal release, much like how initial functions of the new Siri design appeared months after the iPhone 16 launched last fall.

This all, of course, is happening in a broader context where Apple is trying to balance privacy, user trust, and AI innovation—a tricky dance. Back in 2021, they tried the same thing with Siri’s overhaul, only for most users to be left waiting or underwhelmed. Changing the interface and adding a splashy design doesn’t mean much if the core intelligence isn’t ready.

The new Liquid Glass aesthetic announced at WWDC 2025 has already stolen some headlines, but these visual updates seem increasingly disconnected from whether Siri’s going to be genuinely smarter or just more stylish.

Strangely enough, this pattern of playing catch-up seems to be Apple’s new modus operandi. They’re conservatives by design—preferring polished, dependable experiences over rapid innovation. But in the AI era, that approach risks leaving their assistant in the dust. Their competitors are racing ahead, integrating AI that understands and predicts better than ever. For Apple, delivering a delayed, more thoughtful Siri by 2026 could be a bet—they hope the wait will make the eventual product even more compelling. Whether it’s worth that long a wait is another question entirely.