TECHNOLOGY

Siri's Bumpy Road: Apple's AI Assistant Faces More Delays

USASun Oct 19 2025

Apple's highly anticipated upgrade to Siri is facing new challenges. The tech giant planned to roll out a smarter, AI-powered version of its voice assistant with iOS 26.4. However, internal testers have raised concerns about its performance.

A History of Delays

This isn't the first time Siri has hit snags. Apple initially promised big improvements back in 2024. Features like understanding personal context and acting within apps were supposed to make Siri a true digital helper. But those plans fell through, leading to a year-long delay.

Two Approaches Under Testing

With iOS 26.4, Apple is reportedly testing two different approaches for Siri:

  • One uses Apple's own AI tech
  • The other relies on Google's Gemini running on Apple's private cloud

Rumors suggest the current version might be using Apple's own models.

Potential Fallout

If the new Siri doesn't impress, there could be big changes at Apple. Some predict senior AI staff might leave if the update flops. This comes as no surprise, given Apple's struggles in the AI race.

Playing Catch-Up in AI

Apple has been playing catch-up in AI for years. While rivals like Google and Microsoft made waves, Apple took a slower approach. The company finally jumped into AI with features like:

  • Clean Up in Photos
  • ChatGPT in Siri

But its flagship AI project, Siri, remains a work in progress.

Time to Turn Things Around

With six months until the public release, there's still time for Apple to turn things around. But given the history of delays and setbacks, it's anyone's guess whether Siri will finally deliver on its promise.

questions

    Are the reported concerns about Siri's performance a smokescreen to distract from other internal issues at Apple?
    What are the potential long-term implications for Apple if Siri continues to underperform compared to competitors' AI assistants?
    What are the potential reasons for the concerns raised by Apple employees regarding Siri's performance?

actions