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Apple is preparing a comprehensive overhaul of Siri, expected for iOS 26.4 next spring. It's the biggest change since the voice assistant was introduced almost 15 years ago. While other tech companies regularly present advances in artificial intelligence, Siri has long been considered a weak point in the Apple ecosystem. The upcoming features could change that—fundamentally.
Siri received only minor improvements in iOS 18. The crucial AI upgrades were originally planned for early this year but were then postponed to 2026. According to recent reports, including from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, the wait may be worth it. With a new LLM-based architecture, Siri is set to become not only more powerful but also more intelligent and flexible. The goal is to establish Siri as the central voice-controlled interface for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro, and other devices.
The new technical basis: LLM Siri
The biggest innovation is the use of large language models (LLMs). This technology enables Siri to understand speech more naturally, interpret complex commands, and respond flexibly to different situations. Siri will no longer just answer individual questions, but will also be able to execute longer chains of tasks within apps or across multiple apps.
App intents and hands-free working
With so-called app intents, Siri will soon be able to work completely hands-free. Actions within apps can be started, controlled, and completed without having to move a finger. According to Gurman, Siri will act as a user would—precisely and within the familiar user interfaces.
Personal context knowledge
Siri will be able to recognize individual usage patterns and incorporate them into decisions. This means that answers and suggestions are tailored to the personal context. This allows the voice assistant to deliver more relevant and efficient results.
The new screen perception
Another important feature is screen awareness. Siri will be able to recognize what's currently on the display and respond accordingly. This will make it possible to interact directly with content without having to explicitly describe it.
Strategic importance for Apple
The planned upgrades are more than just a feature update. They could lay the foundation for a new voice-controlled user interface across the entire Apple ecosystem. At the same time, data protection and privacy remain central concerns. Apple relies on running as many processes as possible locally on devices to ensure the security of personal data. A premature launch would have entailed significant risks. An immature system could have caused long-term damage to Siri's and Apple's reputation. The delay gives Apple more time to bring the technology to market in a stable and reliable manner.
The start of a new era for voice control at Apple
With the planned introduction of LLM-based Siri in iOS 26.4, Apple is taking a decisive step. The combination of app intents, personal context, screen awareness, and a new technical foundation could transform Siri from a long-criticized feature into one of the most important components of the Apple ecosystem. If implemented as planned, the update will mark the beginning of a new era for voice control on Apple devices—and the wait could actually be worth it. Time for fresh accessories? Visit our Amazon Storefront and discover a wide selection of products from leading manufacturers, including HomeKit-compatible ones! (Image: Shutterstock / Alim Yakubov)
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