IOS 26.4 Siri Overhaul Faces Internal Criticism From Apple Engineers

Apple’s upcoming iOS 26.4 update is set to feature a completely revamped Siri. This new version is powered by the company’s Apple Intelligence system. However, the rollout is reportedly facing internal hurdles.

According to Bloomberg, some Apple engineers have expressed serious concerns. These concerns are about the performance and reliability of the overhauled voice assistant. The team has several months to address these issues before the expected spring release.

Details on the Siri Upgrade and Its Delayed Timeline

The new Siri was first showcased at WWDC 2024. Apple promised significant new capabilities for the assistant. These include on-screen awareness, personal context understanding, and deeper in-app controls.

For example, a user could ask Siri about a flight found in an email. The assistant would understand the context and provide a direct answer. This represents a major leap from Siri’s current limited functionality.

The features were originally slated for an iOS 18.4 release last year. That launch was delayed. Apple CEO Tim Cook later confirmed good progress was being made for a release next year. The current target is now iOS 26.4 in March or April.

Broader Impact of a Successful Siri Revamp

A successful Siri overhaul is critical for Apple’s competitive stance. Competitors like Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa have advanced significantly. Apple Intelligence needs a capable and reliable front-end to be truly useful to users.

For consumers, a smarter Siri would fundamentally change iPhone interaction. It could move from a simple command-taker to a truly proactive assistant. This shift would make daily tasks much simpler and more integrated.

The success of the iOS 26.4 Siri overhaul is crucial for Apple’s AI ambitions. A smooth launch would validate its strategy. Any significant stumbles, however, could damage user trust in its AI capabilities.

Thought you’d like to know

What new features will the revamped Siri have?

The new Siri will have on-screen awareness to understand what is on your display. It will also use personal context from your emails and messages. Finally, it will gain the ability to perform actions inside apps.

When will iOS 26.4 be released?

iOS 26.4 is expected to be released to the public in March or April. This follows the standard annual iOS update cycle that Apple has maintained for years.

Why was the new Siri delayed previously?

Apple delayed the initial launch to allow more development time. The company has not specified the exact technical reasons. Such delays are common for complex software features.

What are the main concerns about the new Siri?

Bloomberg reports that Apple engineers have concerns about its performance. The specific nature of these performance issues has not been publicly detailed. The company is working to resolve them before launch.

Which iPhones will get the new Siri?

The new Siri requires Apple Intelligence, which has specific hardware requirements. It will be available on iPhone 15 Pro and later models. Older iPhones will not support these advanced features.

Trusted Sources

Bloomberg, Apple