Apple Delays Siri Upgrade Indefinitely Due to Rising AI Concerns

Apple Inc. is facing significant challenges in its artificial intelligence (AI) division, leading to delays in its promised upgrades to the Siri digital assistant. The tech giant initially planned to introduce enhancements, including the ability for Siri to access a user’s personal information for more precise app control, with the iOS 18.4 update in April. However, the company has now postponed these features indefinitely, with a vague commitment to release them "in the coming year."

Development Issues and Internal Concerns

Apple engineers have been working tirelessly to address multiple software issues, but the project remains riddled with bugs. Initially, Bloomberg News reported that the features might be postponed until May with iOS 18.5, but recent developments suggest they won’t be available until next year at the earliest. Apple’s software chief Craig Federighi, along with other executives, expressed dissatisfaction after encountering functionality issues in their internal testing.

Possible Rebuild of Siri Features

Some members of Apple’s AI division fear that the company may have to abandon its current approach and rebuild Siri’s new features from scratch. If this happens, users may not see any significant updates to Siri until 2026 when Apple plans to introduce a next-generation version of the assistant. This delay would coincide with the iOS 19 release cycle, while a full-fledged, user-friendly interface might not arrive until iOS 20 in 2027.

No Major AI Breakthroughs at WWDC 2025

At its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) last June, Apple first demonstrated its AI-driven enhancements as part of the Apple Intelligence platform. However, at this year’s WWDC, Apple does not plan to introduce any groundbreaking AI features. Instead, the company will focus on refining its existing applications to integrate Apple Intelligence more effectively.

Impact on Apple’s AI Reputation

The repeated delays highlight Apple’s struggle to keep pace with its competitors in the AI industry. Apple has been working on making Siri more conversational, similar to ChatGPT, but with the postponed upgrades, the company risks falling behind rivals like Amazon, Google, and Samsung. The delay also raises concerns about Apple’s ability to maintain its reputation as an industry leader in innovation.

Internal Pressure for Leadership Changes

The setbacks have prompted internal discussions about the leadership of Apple’s AI group. Some employees believe that Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook or the company’s board should intervene to accelerate progress. In response to these concerns, Apple recently assigned veteran software executive Kim Vorrath to oversee AI development, signaling a possible strategic shift.

Marketing Challenges and Customer Frustration

Apple’s delay is particularly problematic because the company has been advertising the new Siri features in TV commercials for the past six months. The iPhone 16, launched last fall, was marketed as being “built from the ground up for Apple Intelligence.” However, with these core features missing, Apple risks disappointing customers, especially as the iPhone 17 release approaches.

In anticipation of customer frustration, Apple issued internal guidance to AppleCare representatives. A memo advised them to reassure customers that the Siri enhancements would roll out “in the coming year,” though no specific timeline was provided.

Hardware Limitations and AI Integration

Another challenge Apple faces is the need for more powerful AI models to operate efficiently on its devices. Running advanced AI features on current hardware may strain processing power, potentially leading to slower performance on older devices. Apple might have to either scale back its AI features or significantly upgrade future hardware to accommodate these capabilities.

Current Siri Enhancements

Despite the delays, Apple has introduced minor refinements to Siri in iOS 18. These include an integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a text-based "Type to Siri" feature, and enhanced Apple product knowledge. Additionally, Siri now features a glowing visual interface. However, these updates do not represent fundamental advancements in AI-driven functionality.

Competitive Landscape

Apple's delay gives competitors an advantage in the voice assistant market. Amazon is set to launch its Alexa+ assistant this month, while Samsung and Google have been rapidly advancing their AI-powered assistants. As rivals continue to push forward, Apple faces mounting pressure to deliver an AI-driven Siri that can compete in an evolving market.

Conclusion

Apple’s indefinite postponement of Siri’s AI upgrades underscores the company’s internal struggles with artificial intelligence development. The delays threaten Apple’s reputation, put the company at a disadvantage against competitors, and raise concerns about its long-term AI strategy. While Apple remains committed to integrating AI into its ecosystem, it must address software development challenges and potential hardware limitations to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.