Apple Upgraded Siri: When Will It Actually Launch?
Apple fans eager for smarter AI features from Siri will have to wait a bit longer. The Apple upgraded Siri, initially previewed at WWDC 2024, is now expected to launch in spring 2026 alongside iOS 26.4. While Apple teased advanced AI capabilities like screen awareness, personal context understanding, and deeper integration with Apple Intelligence, users are now wondering why the rollout is taking so long—and whether the wait will be worth it.
If you’re searching for when the upgraded Siri will be released or what features to expect, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down everything we know about the Apple upgraded Siri, the delay, and what it means for iPhone users.
What Happened to Apple Upgraded Siri at WWDC 2025?
At WWDC 2024, Apple introduced a vision for Siri powered by its proprietary Apple Intelligence platform. This included impressive capabilities like understanding on-screen context, taking action based on your activity, and interacting more naturally using generative AI. The buzz was real. Apple positioned the upgraded Siri as a direct competitor to ChatGPT and Google Assistant’s Gemini AI.
Fast forward to WWDC 2025, and expectations were high. Instead, the iOS 26 reveal focused on a new Liquid Glass design language and Genmoji features. Siri only received a redesigned interface, with no sign of the advanced AI features promised the previous year. Apple’s statement in March 2025 that “it’s going to take us longer than we thought” further disappointed users, leaving them with vague assurances of a 2026 release.
Spring 2026 Launch: What to Expect from iOS 26.4
According to a recent report from Bloomberg, the Apple upgraded Siri is now internally targeted for a spring 2026 release, likely alongside iOS 26.4. While Apple has not set an official date, historical patterns give us clues: iOS 18.4 launched on March 31, and iOS 17.4 arrived on March 5. If Apple sticks to this cadence, Siri’s AI upgrade could be available as early as March 2026.
Senior VP of Marketing Greg Joswiak recently confirmed that the new Siri won’t arrive until 2026, quashing hopes for a 2025 rollout. Initially planned to debut with the iPhone 16 in fall 2025, the release was pushed after internal testing showed that the AI wasn’t up to Apple’s quality standards. This aligns with Craig Federighi’s earlier admission that Apple’s “first attempt at an AI Siri wasn’t good enough.”
Why Apple Delayed the Upgraded Siri Features
Apple rarely delays its marquee features, especially ones showcased in high-profile keynotes. So why the delay? Based on credible sources, it seems Apple’s ambition to integrate deep AI with privacy-first processing has proven more technically complex than anticipated.
The upgraded Siri is expected to leverage on-device intelligence for tasks like replying to emails, summarizing text, and automating everyday actions—all while maintaining Apple’s strict data privacy practices. Compared to competitors like Google’s Gemini and Amazon’s Alexa, Apple is playing the long game: prioritizing reliability, context awareness, and user trust over speed to market.
Experts suggest this delay may actually strengthen user trust in the final product. With GenAI advancing rapidly, Apple’s cautious approach could result in a voice assistant that not only feels natural but is deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem—from iPhones and iPads to Macs and Vision Pro.
Is the Wait for Apple Upgraded Siri Worth It?
If you’re a long-time iPhone user, the Apple upgraded Siri delay may feel frustrating—but there’s still reason to be optimistic. Apple is investing heavily in its AI roadmap, and early glimpses of Apple Intelligence already show promise. The ability to use Genmoji, real-time language translation on video calls, and intelligent app summaries are stepping stones to the full Siri overhaul.
By spring 2026, we expect Siri to go from being a reactive assistant to an intuitive, proactive AI partner, helping users get more done with less effort. And with Apple’s emphasis on on-device processing and user privacy, it’s likely to set a new standard for responsible AI integration.
Until then, iOS 26.4 is shaping up to be a landmark update—and Siri’s transformation might just be worth the wait.