Apple Delays Siri's AI Upgrade in iOS 26.4

Gemini-powered Siri update reportedly pushed back to May or September due to internal testing issues.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple has internally pushed back the release of its AI-enhanced Siri upgrade, which was originally expected to launch with iOS 26.4 in March. The Gemini-powered Siri update is now reportedly delayed until May or September as Apple continues to work through issues with the new AI features, including problems with slow response times and improper responses.

Why it matters

Apple's struggles to get its Siri AI upgrade right are surprising, given the company's typical secrecy around unfinished products. The delay raises questions about Apple's ability to quickly integrate advanced AI capabilities into its flagship virtual assistant, which has long lagged behind competitors like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

The details

The new Siri is supposed to be able to use personal data like text messages to answer user queries, but Apple is reportedly running into issues where Siri is sometimes slow to respond, doesn't respond properly, or even falls back on its existing ChatGPT integration, which it's not supposed to do in these circumstances.

  • The Gemini-powered Siri upgrade was originally expected to launch with iOS 26.4 in March 2026.
  • The upgrade is now reportedly delayed until May or September 2026.

The players

Apple

A multinational technology company that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.

Siri

Apple's virtual assistant that uses natural language processing to answer questions, make recommendations, and perform actions.

Gemini

An AI system that Apple is integrating into Siri to enhance its natural language processing and conversational abilities.

Bloomberg

A global business and financial information company that provides news, data, and analysis.

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What’s next

Apple is expected to provide more details on the Siri AI upgrade timeline in the coming months as it continues to work on resolving the internal testing issues.

The takeaway

Apple's delay in rolling out its Siri AI upgrade highlights the challenges even tech giants face in quickly integrating advanced AI capabilities into their products. The company's typically secretive approach to unfinished products also raises questions about its ability to compete with other virtual assistants that have already made significant strides in natural language processing and conversational abilities.