Apple’s much-anticipated Siri update, enhanced with artificial intelligence, is facing technical challenges and persistent bugs. Sources close to the project suggest these issues could delay its launch or limit its features.
Unveiled during the developer conference last June, this update was expected to bring significant improvements to Siri. Apple showcased some of these advancements to users, but the development team is still working to address problems. While the update was originally set to roll out in April, some features might now be postponed until May or later.
This revamped Siri is a central part of Apple’s broader AI strategy, aimed at improving user experiences and boosting iPhone sales. However, the rollout of Apple Intelligence, which started last October, has encountered various problems. Features like news summaries have drawn criticism for malfunctions.
Siri has been a key product for Apple since its debut in 2011. Once seen as a leader in virtual assistants, it has fallen behind competitors’ AI technologies in recent years. The current challenges highlight Apple’s struggles to keep up in the rapidly advancing AI space.
Meanwhile, Apple’s AI efforts in China are progressing separately. The company is collaborating with Alibaba and Baidu to ensure compliance with local regulations.
An Apple representative declined to comment on the status of the Siri update.
Promised Siri Features
Last June, Apple outlined several enhancements for Siri:
- Smarter responses using personal data to provide meaningful answers and perform tasks.
- Improved controls for managing apps.
- Contextual understanding to recognise on-screen content for more relevant interactions.
At the time, Apple noted that some of these features might not arrive until 2025. The company initially targeted iOS 18.4 for an April release, but some features could now be delayed until iOS 18.5, expected in May.
The goal is to make Siri more flexible and capable, such as pulling specific information from user interactions. For example, Siri was demonstrated retrieving a driver’s licence number stored in photos and finding travel details from emails or texts. Unfortunately, some of this functionality may now arrive later than planned.
Bugs and Testing Issues
Internal testing has flagged inconsistencies in the new Siri features. With the iOS 18.4 public release approaching, there is limited time to address these problems. A developer beta version is expected soon, but Apple might release the update with some features temporarily disabled, activating them with iOS 18.5.
Certain upgrades, like enhanced app controls and personal data use, might be among the delayed features. They are also tied to Apple’s upcoming smart home hub, expected later this year. This device will integrate AI-powered home management tools with FaceTime capabilities.
Struggling to Compete
Despite strong promotion for Apple Intelligence, the company faces stiff competition from systems like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Meta’s Llama. Apple’s AI and machine-learning teams have dealt with internal challenges, including missed deadlines. Some employees reportedly feel the projects are being rushed to meet investor expectations.
In a recent earnings call, CEO Tim Cook emphasized Apple’s investments in AI. While iPhone sales dipped slightly over the holidays, Cook noted the iPhone 16 performed better in regions where Apple Intelligence features were available.
To improve its AI efforts, Apple has reorganized its teams. Kim Vorrath, a veteran software executive, now leads efforts to streamline processes, while John Giannandrea, a former Google executive, continues to oversee the AI division.
Delays to Apple Intelligence updates have also disrupted timelines for other software projects. Features planned for late 2025 may now be delayed into 2026.
What’s Next for Siri
Apple’s plans for Siri don’t stop here. The company aims to make the assistant more conversational, hoping to rival tools like ChatGPT as early as 2026. Other features in development include AI-driven email sorting for iPads and Macs, better notification management, and tools for creating images. While the email sorting feature is already available on iPhone, it could expand to other devices in future updates.
These ongoing challenges show how far Apple still has to go in the AI race, but they also point to big changes ahead for Siri and other AI-powered features.
