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Apple is officially sticking to its plan to release the new version of Siri this year. This comes in response to reports of internal delays that have recently caused market unrest. While the company continues to publicly express confidence, insider information suggests that key development goals have not been met as originally planned.
The current debate was triggered by a report from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. He stated that Apple's new Siri initiative is facing internal delays. The new features were originally slated for release with iOS 26.4. However, according to Gurman, this target is likely to be missed. Instead, the features might not appear until iOS 26.5 or even later this year.
The report had an immediate impact on the stock market. Apple shares came under significant pressure as investors feared that Apple could fall further behind in the competition for AI technologies.
Now Steve Kovach of CNBC has weighed in. He stated that Apple has confirmed to him that the launch of the new Siri version is still scheduled for this year. This essentially reiterates what Apple has already publicly promised.
However, it's important to note that this statement does not contradict the Bloomberg report about internal delays. Apple has neither confirmed nor denied the specific internal development problems.
Internal timelines and public communication
Apple has publicly stated since WWDC 2024 that the new, expanded Siri features will be available sometime in 2026. This timeframe has been confirmed multiple times.
At the same time, numerous sources indicate that Apple internally intended to roll out the features specifically with iOS 26.4. According to Bloomberg, this goal now appears unrealistic.
This results in a clear separation: Publicly, Apple is staying within the announced timeframe. Internally, however, the originally targeted milestone of iOS 26.4 does not appear to be reached.
What features will the new Siri bring?
The announced updates are considered the most significant expansion of Siri in years. The planned features include:
- Enhanced personal context: Siri should be able to better understand personal information and take it into account in conversations.
- Extensive in-app actions: The voice assistant should be able to perform more complex actions directly within apps, without requiring multiple manual steps.
- Screen awareness: Siri should be able to recognize what is currently displayed on the iPhone's screen. This will make it possible to ask questions about that specific content and perform context-sensitive actions.
These features were first announced during WWDC 2024 and are considered key building blocks for Apple's AI strategy.
Google Gemini as the technological basis
When the new features are released, they will initially be supported behind the scenes by Google Gemini models. This integration is part of a partnership between Apple and Google that was officially announced earlier this year.
This means Apple is relying on external technology for key AI functions. The Gemini models are expected to significantly improve Siri's performance and enable more complex queries.
This collaboration shows that Apple is focusing more on partnerships in the field of generative AI in order to become competitive more quickly.
A look at iOS 27: Even more ambitious plans
Apple is apparently planning another major step for iOS 27. A new Siri chatbot experience is expected, based on Foundation models and running on the latest versions of Google Gemini. The vision is clear: Siri is to evolve into a significantly more powerful, conversation-oriented AI assistant.
However, the question arises whether delays in the currently planned features could impact these more ambitious plans. If even the relatively basic enhancements don't appear within the originally targeted timeframe, further development for iOS 27 could also be delayed.
Investor reaction and market pressure
The Bloomberg report has noticeably shaken investor confidence. The decline in Apple's stock price illustrates how sensitive the market is to potential delays in the AI sector.
In a fast-paced environment where companies like Google, Microsoft, and other AI providers are constantly unveiling new features, speed becomes a crucial factor. For investors, it's essential that Apple not only announces new features but also delivers them promptly.
The renewed confirmation to CNBC therefore primarily serves to stabilize trust. Nevertheless, uncertainty remains as long as internal delays are not clearly explained.
Apple caught between promise and reality in Siri development
Apple officially maintains its commitment to releasing the new Siri this year. At the same time, there are reports of internal delays, which could particularly affect the originally targeted iOS 26.4 release.
The planned features – personal context, enhanced in-app actions, and screen perception – are central to Apple's AI strategy. For the first time, they will be powered by Google Gemini models.
Whether Apple can close the internal gap and how potential delays will affect iOS 27 remains to be seen. One thing is clear, however: In the race for artificial intelligence, Apple is under considerable pressure to keep its promises and maintain technological pace. (Image: Mojahid_Mottakin / DepositPhotos.com)
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