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With Apple Intelligence, Apple officially entered a new phase of AI in 2024. However, it's becoming increasingly clear that this year should be seen more as preparation. The real turning point for Apple and its AI strategy is likely to come in 2026. The catalyst for this is "Siri 2.0," which is expected to be released in the spring with iOS 26.4. This isn't just about a revamped voice assistant, but a fundamental realignment of Apple's entire AI infrastructure.
In recent days, there have been several important developments surrounding Apple Intelligence and Siri. Particularly significant is the now officially confirmed collaboration between Apple and Google. This partnership, long rumored, is now a reality. It encompasses not only Siri but also the technological foundation of the next generation of Apple's so-called Foundation Models. This marks a strategic shift for Apple, the effects of which will not be immediately apparent but will unfold over several years.
Siri 2.0 heralds a new phase
With iOS 26.4, a new Siri era officially begins. The relaunch of the voice assistant is planned for spring and is considered the first visible step in the AI overhaul. Despite high expectations, it should be clear that Siri 2.0 will not immediately offer all the announced capabilities. Apple is relying on a gradual rollout of the new features.
A report by The Information states that some improvements should be available as early as spring. Other, significantly more complex features will follow later. These include, in particular, capabilities that deeply impact users' daily lives and require a high degree of contextual understanding.
What new Siri features are planned?
Among the features that Apple is reportedly preparing are:
- Siri should be able to remember previous conversations and thus respond more consistently and personally.
- Plans also include proactive suggestions, such as advice to leave earlier if an airport transfer is scheduled in the calendar and traffic jams are likely.
- Further context-based actions are planned, based on calendar data, location information, and habits.
Some of these features are expected to be presented in more detail at the annual developer conference in June. Although Apple initially described iOS 18 as the beginning of a new Siri era, it has since become clear that this phase will not actually begin until iOS 26.4.
The partnership with Google and its implications
The joint press release from Apple and Google makes it clear that the deal goes far beyond Siri. Both companies have agreed to a multi-year collaboration, in which the next generation of Apple Foundation models will be based on Google's Gemini models and Google's cloud technology.
These AI models are intended not only to enable a more personalized Siri, but also to power numerous future Apple intelligence features. Google technology thus forms the foundation of Apple's next generation of AI. For Apple, this is a significant step that will bring few visible changes in the short term, but is likely to be crucial in the long run.
Why the biggest changes could be delayed
Despite the launch of Siri 2.0, the change won't be immediately noticeable. The transition to new foundation models and the tight integration with external cloud technology takes time. Apple faces the challenge of deeply integrating these models into iOS, iPadOS, and macOS while simultaneously adhering to its own data privacy and quality standards.
iOS 26.4 therefore marks the beginning rather than the end of this development. Major functional improvements are not expected until later versions.
Preview of iOS 27 and Apple Intelligence
With iOS 27, further extensive AI improvements are already expected. Rumors suggest an AI-powered web search tool, a health-focused AI agent, and a new visual design and personality for Siri. Furthermore, additional Apple intelligence features are expected, which could significantly change how iPhones, iPads, and Macs interact.
Because Google provides the underlying major language models, Apple's developers can focus more on new features, user experience, and system integration. This opens up possibilities for features that go beyond incremental improvements.
Siri 2.0 is just the beginning of Apple's AI future
Apple is embarking on a long-term AI transformation. Siri 2.0 is the first visible step in this development, but not yet its culmination. The partnership with Google and the switch to new Foundation Models demonstrate that Apple is fundamentally repositioning its AI strategy. The biggest changes won't happen immediately, but will unfold over several years. Patience is crucial. However, it's already clear that Apple will place artificial intelligence much more firmly at the heart of its entire ecosystem in the future. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / PixieMe)
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