Apple is delaying the launch of Siri’s much-anticipated AI update due to ongoing engineering challenges, according to Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter for Bloomberg. Originally scheduled for release in April alongside iOS 18.4, the AI overhaul is now expected to debut in May with the release of iOS 18.5.
Gurman reports that while the integration of Apple’s AI into Siri is a central part of the Apple Intelligence platform, the software still faces significant hurdles. The smart features, including the new AI capabilities, are not functioning consistently, leading to the delay. The overhaul aims to make Siri more competitive with other AI-powered assistants like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Meta’s Llama.
Apple’s Siri AI update will give the assistant more control over apps and allow it to process data more effectively to provide better, contextually accurate responses. Additionally, the new Siri is expected to leverage user data to enhance its understanding of queries, a move that could make it more efficient at handling tasks and understanding on-screen content in real time.
The delay also highlights challenges Apple is facing in its push to establish Apple Intelligence as a serious contender in the AI space. While the company has made strides, the rollout of the AI features has been gradual, with key markets such as Continental Europe and China still lacking access to the technology.
This setback may also have broader implications for Apple’s future plans, potentially impacting other upcoming updates. Some features originally planned for iOS 19 may now be pushed back to 2026 due to the internal struggles to meet development deadlines. As a result, Apple’s AI-driven ambitions will likely face further delays as the company works to refine Siri’s capabilities.
