Apple's Siri Upgrade Encounters Setbacks in Testing Phase
Apple Inc.'s highly anticipated overhaul of the Siri virtual assistant is experiencing significant hurdles during recent testing, raising concerns about potential delays for several advanced features. According to sources familiar with the matter, the company had initially aimed to integrate these new capabilities into iOS 26.4, an operating system update scheduled for March 2026. However, due to ongoing issues, Apple is now considering spreading the rollout across future versions, which could postpone some features until at least iOS 26.5 in May or even iOS 27 in September.
Historical Context and Initial Plans
The journey to revamp Siri began in June 2024, when Apple first announced its ambitious plans. At that time, the tech giant showcased capabilities designed to allow Siri to access personal data and on-screen content more effectively, enhancing its ability to fulfill user requests. The upgraded assistant was also expected to enable precise voice control over both Apple and third-party apps, with all features originally slated for an early 2025 release. However, in the spring of 2025, Apple delayed the rollout, shifting the target to 2026 without providing specific timing details. Internally, the company had set a goal for March 2026, aligning with iOS 26.4, a timeline that remained firm as recently as last month.
Testing Challenges and Reliability Concerns
Recent testing has uncovered fresh problems with the software, leading to these latest postponements. Employees involved in the testing process, who requested anonymity due to the private nature of the deliberations, reported that Siri does not always process queries correctly and can take too long to handle requests. These reliability issues have prompted Apple to reassess its release strategy. In response, the company has instructed engineers to use the upcoming iOS 26.5 for testing new Siri features, indicating a potential shift in the rollout schedule. Internal versions of iOS 26.5 now include notices describing the addition of some Siri enhancements, along with a settings toggle that allows employees to enable a "preview" of the functionality. This suggests Apple may consider warning users that the initial launch could be incomplete or unreliable, similar to beta tests for new operating systems.
Specific Features at Risk of Delay
Among the features most likely to be delayed is Siri's expanded ability to tap into personal data. This technology would enable users to ask the assistant to perform tasks such as searching old text messages to locate a podcast shared by a friend and playing it immediately. Additionally, advanced commands for voice-based control of in-app actions, known as app intents, are also running behind schedule. This system would allow users to ask Siri to find an image, edit it, and send it to a contact—all through a single command. The fluid nature of the situation means Apple's plans could change further, and a spokesperson for the Cupertino, California-based company has declined to comment on the matter.
Market Impact and Broader Implications
The news of these delays has had a noticeable effect on Apple's stock performance. On Wednesday, shares pared their gains, rising 1.1% to US$276.71 as of 2:52 p.m. in New York, after earlier climbing as high as 2.4%. This development underscores the challenges Apple faces in delivering a seamless virtual assistant experience, a critical component in the competitive tech landscape. As the company navigates these testing snags, users and investors alike will be watching closely to see how Apple adapts its strategy to ensure a reliable and functional Siri upgrade in the coming months.
