Apple Delays AI-Powered Siri to 2026
Significant Siri Setback at WWDC 2025
Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote showcased numerous updates including the new “Liquid Glass” interface design and refreshed naming conventions. However, the tech giant remained conspicuously silent about one of its most anticipated upgrades – the AI-powered personal assistant features for Siri originally revealed at WWDC 2024.
Executive Confirmation of Delay
Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of Software Engineering, briefly addressed the delay: “As we’ve shared, we’re continuing our work to deliver the features that make Siri even more personal. This work needed more time to reach our high-quality bar, and we look forward to sharing more about it in the coming year.” This statement strongly suggests the enhanced Siri won’t debut before 2026.
Behind the AI Assistant Delay
The next-generation Siri, designed to revolutionize how users interact with Apple devices, promised groundbreaking capabilities:
- Advanced contextual understanding of user relationships and daily routines
- Cross-app functionality for streamlined task completion
- Personalized responses powered by machine learning
Technical Challenges Emerge
Despite functional prototypes, internal testing revealed significant reliability issues. Reports indicate the AI assistant performed correctly only about 67% of the time during development testing, falling short of Apple’s rigorous quality standards. This performance gap prompted the company to delay the launch rather than release a subpar product.
Organizational Shake-Up
Apple made several strategic moves to address the development challenges:
- Replaced Siri project leadership, appointing Vision Pro veteran Mike Rockwell to oversee development
- Maintained John Giannandrea in broader AI strategy role while removing him from direct Siri oversight
- Formed partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT functionality as a temporary solution
Competitive Pressures Mount
The delay underscores Apple’s struggles to keep pace with rivals like Google Assistant, OpenAI, and Anthropic in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. While competitors release frequent AI updates, Apple’s methodical approach risks falling behind in consumer perception.
Other AI Advancements Continue
While Siri’s overhaul remains in development, Apple announced several other AI initiatives at WWDC 2025:
- Expanded on-device AI models for developers
- Upgraded live translation capabilities across Messages and FaceTime
- Enhanced Genmoji and Image Playground features
- New AI-powered Shortcuts automation tools
These developments demonstrate Apple’s continued investment in AI technology, even as its flagship virtual assistant enhancement faces delays. The company appears committed to delivering a fully-baked Siri experience, even if it means pushing the release to 2026.