Here is why Apple may not update Siri until 2027

Apple is reportedly struggling to rebuild Siri for the generative AI era, with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicating that a truly modernized, conversational version of Siri may not be released until the launch of iOS 20 in 2027.

Nevertheless, significant updates to Siri are expected before then, with a new version slated to debut in May. This update will finally incorporate features from Apple Intelligence, announced nearly a year prior. Gurman describes this iteration of Siri as operating with “two brains” — one for traditional voice commands and another for advanced queries utilizing user data.

The integration of these two systems, internally referred to as “LLM Siri,” is anticipated for announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, aiming for a launch by spring 2026. Only after this integration will Apple be poised to advance Siri’s capabilities further.

The introduction of Amazon’s Alexa+ has highlighted Apple’s shortcomings in AI, as the company finds itself at a critical juncture. Apple’s challenges in enhancing Siri’s AI capabilities have become apparent. Despite having initially launched Siri in 2011, the company has fallen behind in the rapidly advancing landscape of generative AI, which forms the basis for technologies like ChatGPT.

An AI-driven Siri was showcased by Apple last June, portraying an advanced system capable of tailoring responses based on personal data. However, the actual implementation has been slow, leaving engineers with a monumental task to complete by May.

Apple’s suite of AI features, termed Apple Intelligence, has been gradually rolled out since October, encompassing tools such as writing aids, voicemail transcriptions, custom emojis, and an image manipulation app. However, many of these features lack substantial utility, resulting in low user engagement.

Efforts to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT into Apple’s software have also faced criticism for their lack of depth and conversational fluidity. The Visual Intelligence feature, which is meant to provide information on real-world objects, falls short compared to established competitors like Google Lens. Additionally, notification summaries have experienced issues, including inaccuracies in breaking news alerts.

As a result, features from Apple Intelligence are not compelling enough for users to warrant device upgrades. The company asserted that its sales are better in regions where AI features are available, but internal data suggests a lack of consumer engagement with these new offerings.

Apple typically enters new markets after its competitors, although it often justifies its timing with superior offerings. The company is presently trailing behind established AI solutions from competitors like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Microsoft’s Copilot. Despite initial optimism surrounding its AI announcements, Apple has been unable to adequately keep pace with rivals, which poses serious risks to its market position.

Preparations for the next version of Siri are critical for Apple. The current Siri, integrated into iOS 18, features two functional areas: one focused on traditional commands and the other designed for advanced queries driven by user data. However, the two systems’ integration is yet incomplete, affecting overall performance.

Plans for the iOS 19 update include further unifying these systems and introducing a new architecture, which could be first revealed at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference. This new architecture is expected to enhance Siri’s conversational capabilities but is projected to face delays.

Internal assessments suggest that a fully modernized Siri will not be available until iOS 20 in 2027. This timeline places Apple significantly behind competitors already implementing advanced AI technologies. The urgency for technological advancement in AI has heightened, exacerbated by rapid developments from companies like OpenAI and Google, leaving Apple at a critical crossroads.

Siri is finally catching up thanks to LLM-powered features

Simultaneously, the company is encountering difficulties in securing adequate resources, notably AI accelerators from Nvidia, essential for model development. Consequently, Apple has commenced production of its AI servers while simultaneously working on enhancing its chip capacity.

In response to current leadership and strategic needs, Apple has reassigned Kim Vorrath to the AI team, aiming to improve the trajectory of ongoing projects such as Siri. Additionally, John Giannandrea continues to oversee AI initiatives amid questions regarding leadership changes necessary to address the company’s competitive deficits in AI.

Despite these challenges, Apple maintains that its deep integration of hardware and software positions it favorably against competitors. Yet, the rapid advancements in AI pose substantial threats, suggesting that Apple’s dominance is under potential jeopardy if it cannot evolve effectively within this new technological landscape.

In another development, Apple announced a $500 billion investment in the U.S., coinciding with a broader engagement with the Trump administration, aimed at bolstering goodwill and reducing potential regulatory burdens. However, questions persist regarding the actual implementation and implications of this investment plan.

Furthermore, stock shortages of the iPad Air are appearing ahead of a forthcoming refresh, with reports indicating that the new M4 MacBook Air is set for a near-term launch. The entry-level iPad is also likely to receive updates alongside the iPad Air, while no significant updates for the iPad Pro are anticipated until the M5 chip becomes available.

Lastly, amidst pressures regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Apple has reaffirmed its commitment to these efforts despite trends among other tech companies to scale back. The company rejected a recent shareholder proposal to abolish its DEI program, indicating a continued focus on fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

Looking ahead, the upcoming releases of iOS 18.4 and iOS 18.5 are anticipated to include several incremental enhancements. However, the rollout of the promised AI capabilities may still face delays, including the anticipated new Siri version.

Apple’s new iPhone 16e debuted on February 28 but witnessed a lackluster response at retail locations, indicating a cautious market reception. Although long-term sales potential remains uncertain, the pricing of the 16e suggests it occupies a challenging segment in the smartphone market, competing with both budget and premium models.

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