Apple is currently working on a major Siri overhaul, scheduled for release in early 2026. The voice assistant could receive new features in iOS 26.1 or iOS 26.2 before then. A recent report by Mark Gurman provides concrete clues about what's planned.
Siri has undergone several improvements in recent years, but expectations for the voice assistant are high. With Apple Intelligence, Apple aims to usher in a completely new era in the long term. Until then, the company is focusing on smaller updates designed to make Siri more useful in everyday life. iOS 26.1 will play a key role in this, as it could already reveal the first steps toward future development.
Improvements for Siri in iOS 26.1
According to Gurman's newsletter, Apple is preparing two major innovations for the upcoming iOS updates.
- First, official support for Apple Intelligence is planned in China. While this introduction isn't entirely new, it demonstrates Apple's desire to expand Siri globally and is specifically targeting strategic markets.
- The other is improved control of service apps via Siri. While concrete details are lacking, it seems likely that the TV app, in particular, could be among the first applications to benefit from this enhancement. This seems plausible, especially in light of new hardware scheduled for release in October. Apple is reportedly planning a new version of Apple TV 4K that will be equipped directly with Apple Intelligence.
Which apps could be affected
Although Gurman doesn't provide a list, music and fitness are also considered possible candidates for the improved Siri features, in addition to the TV app. Especially in combination with tvOS 26.1, these areas could benefit from expanded control options. This would not only make Siri more relevant on iPhone and iPad, but also make it more widely used in the living room and during workouts.
The outlook for 2026
The complete AI overhaul of Siri remains scheduled for early 2026. Apple is unlikely to announce this innovation in connection with the Apple TV 4K, as major marketing campaigns are clearly focused on 2026. Instead, the company is focusing on a gradual expansion that will already deliver tangible benefits and shorten the waiting time.
- ChatGPT brings Instant Checkout: Shopping directly in chat
- Samsung confirms: Foldable displays for large US customers
Apple is pursuing an interim strategy for Siri
iOS 26.1 demonstrates that Siri is continually being developed, even if the major update is still a long way off. The planned control of service apps, in particular, should make the voice assistant more suitable for everyday use. The strategy is clear: small but important improvements will keep Siri relevant until a comprehensive reinvention arrives in 2026. (Image: Apple)
- Apple accelerates production of M5 Macs and displays
- Apple is testing LLM Siri internally with a ChatGPT-like app
- Intel asks Apple for support – what this could mean
- Vision Air and iPhone 2027: Apple plans new display technology
- Report: iPhone Fold is reminiscent of iPhone Air in double form
- Apple Vision Pro: R2 chip should significantly increase performance
- iPhone 18 Pro: All the latest rumors about design and technology
- iPhone 18 & iPhone Fold: Apple expects sales boom in 2026
- iPhone Fold & iPhone 18 Pro: Faster thanks to new C2 modem
- Apple plans OLED MacBook Pro with touch and new design
- Apple Glasses News: Market launch planned for 2026 or 2027
- Apple plans ten new products – exciting releases until 2026
- iPhone 18 will probably come without Face ID under the display
- MacBook Pro 2026: Apple plans major upgrade with OLED
- Apple Intelligence: China version with censorship planned
- Apple will turn Siri into a smart answer engine with AI in 2026
- Report: iPhone Fold could be the first edgeless iPhone
- Apple Vision Air to be lighter and cheaper in 2027
- Apple launches iPhone Fold in 2026, iPad Fold arrives in 2028
- Apple relies on robotics: Focus on manufacturing without humans
