Apple is saving the best iOS 19 features for 2026

iOS 19 is set to introduce a more conversational Siri powered by advanced large language models, as confirmed by Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. Expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2025 in June, iOS 19 will not fully launch until September 2025 with the iPhone 17 series.

Reports indicate that a higher-than-usual number of features originally slated for iOS 19 have been postponed for later release, specifically in the iOS 19.4 update anticipated in spring 2026. Gurman highlighted that the delays affect several features beyond the revamped Siri. He noted that this pattern is consistent with Apple’s recent practices, where significant updates have been introduced gradually after their initial announcement.

The new Siri, which is expected to resemble OpenAI’s ChatGPT, will allow users to handle more sophisticated requests. Users will see improvements in Siri’s capabilities with this upgrade, potentially reducing reliance on third-party AI services. As iOS 19.2 will be released in December 2024, initial enhancements like ChatGPT integration are directly tied to upcoming updates.

Siri’s integration with Google’s Gemini is anticipated to follow this December update, providing iPhone users an array of improved features. While the enhancements in iOS 18.4 aim at boosting Siri’s on-screen awareness and per-app controls, the comprehensive conversational abilities that many users anticipate from Siri will not be realized until the iOS 19.4 rollout.

Apple’s strategy of staggering updates suggests users might wait until early 2026 to access the full capabilities promised with Siri’s architecture. The revamped assistant’s capabilities would likely change the way users interact with their devices, allowing for more nuanced and human-like conversations.

Gurman’s latest reports state, “a larger-than-usual number of features scheduled for iOS 19 (beyond the new Siri) are already postponed until spring 2026 (when iOS 19.4 debuts).” While the specifics of these features remain unclear, it is evident that Apple’s development roadmap is subject to change. It is also worth noting that the releases around this timeline typically coincide with new hardware announcements, including the iPhone 17 series.

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In addition to delays in feature rollout, widespread speculation surrounds the hardware expected with the iPhone 17, which may introduce significant design changes. As developers work through challenges with the new Siri, Apple’s timeline for iOS updates remains substantial. Investigations into the ongoing development of these features continue as users anticipate further details during the next annual developers’ conference.

The technology community is left questioning which specific features might be delayed and how this will affect overall user experience with iOS 19 and subsequent updates. Details will likely emerge as the June 2025 announcement approaches.

Featured image credit: Kerem Gülen/Ideogram