Apple will launch a new, smart Siri in 2026 with the iOS 26.4 update. This AI-powered Siri will offer users a more refined and context-aware experience.
Apple is poised to deliver a completely revamped Siri experience to iPhone users. It will transition from a simple voice assistant to an intelligent AI partner. While AI features showcased at WWDC 2024 generated excitement, the absence of the new, Apple Intelligence-equipped Siri was a notable omission. A Bloomberg report now indicates Apple is preparing to launch it in the spring of 2026 with the iOS 26.4 update.
Siri's New Update: Smarter and More Useful Than Ever
According to Mark Gurman's report, Apple is moving beyond a simple command-based Siri, aiming for smart, natural conversations. The new Siri will understand context, interpret conversational tone, and provide AI-powered responses tailored to user needs.
Siri will no longer be limited to basic tasks like setting timers or making calls. Instead, it will play a more collaborative role in various aspects of a user's life – from taking meeting notes and drafting emails to planning daily activities.
Reasons for the Delay
Apple divided Siri into two parts with iOS 18: the existing basic Siri for simple tasks like calls, messages, and reminders; and a new Siri architecture leveraging Apple Intelligence features. However, integrating these systems proved technically challenging. Bugs led to performance issues and impacted the user experience.
Consequently, Apple had to rebuild Siri from the ground up. Apple Senior VP Craig Federighi reiterated at WWDC 2025 that the company aims to provide a "best-in-class" experience and will not compromise on quality.
Launch Timeline: When Will the New Siri Arrive?
Reports suggest Apple targets a spring 2026 launch with the iOS 26.4 update. It's speculated that Apple might preview Siri, particularly with the iPhone 17 series, at its September 2025 annual iPhone event.
While there's no official announcement yet, internal testing and preparations indicate this Siri could be Apple's biggest leap into the AI world.
Internal Disagreements Contributed to Delays
Gurman's report also highlights communication gaps between Apple's AI and marketing teams. The AI development team alleges the marketing team overhyped Siri's AI capabilities at WWDC, while the marketing team claims they simply repeated deadlines and promises communicated internally.
What Will Users Gain from the New Siri?
- Context Awareness: Siri will respond based on recent activities, apps used, and screen content.
- Natural Language Support: Interactions and commands will be in natural human language, without repetitive prompts.
- On-Device Processing: Many tasks will be possible offline, enhancing user privacy.
- AI Capabilities: Features like composing email and message replies, smart suggestions, and daily schedule automation – similar to ChatGPT.
Debut with the iPhone 17 Series?
This new Siri iteration is expected to appear in testing mode with the iPhone 17 series. Apple is reportedly preparing high-performance Neural Engines and new AI chips to provide the necessary hardware support for this smart Siri.
The Siri features coming in iOS 26.4 will redefine Apple's AI strategy. Users will experience this AI-powered Siri not just as an assistant, but as a smart digital companion. While Apple may have been slower than ChatGPT and Google Gemini, it's now poised to enter the arena with full force.
