Apple Code reveals progress on Siri and a possible HomePad

Apple has been working for months on a fundamental overhaul of Siri. The redesign, announced at WWDC 2024, was intended to feel more natural, understand screen context, and be significantly more powerful than the current version. However, this feature is still not available even at the end of 2025. New evidence from internal code in an early iOS 26 version now suggests that Apple is preparing to relaunch Siri in spring 2026.

Apple Intelligence was unveiled in 2024 as a major step towards a smarter, context-aware assistant. Since then, there have been repeated delays. The new Siri, which reads the screen, recognizes open apps, and better combines tasks, is considered a key feature. Because this version of Siri is still missing, interest in concrete release dates is growing. Now, internal code discoveries provide a clearer picture of how Apple plans the rollout and which devices will be affected.

Internal code from iOS 26 points to spring 2026

Macworld has analyzed a leaked version of iOS 26. It contains components directly linked to the revamped Siri experience. The code shows that Apple has long planned for spring 2026 as the launch window. The release will likely coincide with iOS 26.4. This would mean the feature will arrive almost two years after its initial announcement.

The new Siri is designed to do more than before: Instead of relying solely on fixed voice commands, it will recognize what's happening on the device. This includes the visible screen content and the currently used apps. This context should make interaction smoother, so that Siri feels more like an assistant that understands tasks rather than simply executing commands.

Hints of a new smart home device: the HomePad

The internal code contains not only references to iPhone, iPad, and Mac, but also hints at another device that will support the new Siri. This device has long been referred to in reports as the HomePad. The idea: a smart home hub that makes Siri, along with Apple Intelligence, directly available in the home.

According to the code, natural conversations will be possible via the HomePad, as well as access to context-aware reminders. This would give Siri more capabilities than previous Apple speakers. Earlier reports mention the codename J490 and an A18 chip. This chip would be powerful enough to run Apple intelligence functions directly on the device. This aligns with Apple's goal of keeping as many AI processes as possible local.

Significance for Apple and the AI ecosystem

The planned Siri overhaul is an important step for Apple. Voice assistants are evolving into true AI tools that understand tasks instead of simply spitting out answers. The context-aware Siri is intended to link multiple steps, suggest appropriate actions, and respond more effectively to user habits. Together with a smart home hub like the HomePad, Apple would create a unified platform where devices and services work more closely together.

Current status: iOS 26.2 is about to be released

While the new Siri isn't yet available, Apple is currently preparing iOS 26.2 for release. The update brings minor improvements, including a slider for adjusting the Liquid Glass effect on the lock screen and automatic chapters in the Podcasts app. New Apple Intelligence features are not included in this version.

Siri before its relaunch in spring 2026

Evidence from internal iOS 26 code indicates that Apple is actively pushing ahead with the Siri relaunch. The context-aware version, which was already unveiled in 2024, is slated for release in spring 2026 and will be clearly distinct from the current Siri. The planned HomePad suggests that Apple intends to integrate the new assistant not only into mobile devices but also into the smart home. While the plans could still change, there are strong indications that Apple will take one of the most significant steps for Siri and Apple Intelligence next spring. (Image: rossandhelen / DepositPhotos.com)