Apple Plans AI-Driven Siri Upgrade for Spring 2026 Release

Apple Inc. is preparing to launch an upgraded version of its Siri voice assistant, enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, with a targeted release date in spring 2026. This announcement follows multiple delays, as the company initially aimed to introduce the new features by fall 2024. The latest update was reported on June 12, 2025, by Bloomberg, which cited unnamed sources familiar with the matter.

The company has faced significant technical challenges in integrating advanced AI technologies, specifically large language models (LLMs), into Siri’s framework. This overhaul requires comprehensive revisions to the existing system and has led to a reshuffling of management within the company. Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, acknowledged during the Worldwide Developers Conference that the development of Siri’s AI capabilities necessitated more time than previously anticipated.

In a statement to Bloomberg, Federighi remarked, “This work needed more time to reach our high quality bar, and we look forward to sharing more about it in the coming year.” This sentiment was echoed by Apple CEO Tim Cook during the company's quarterly earnings call on May 1, 2025, where he emphasized the need for additional time to refine Siri's AI features.

Initially, Apple announced the new features intended for Siri in June 2024, aiming for a fall 2024 release. However, the timeline has since been revised multiple times, pushing the expected launch to spring 2025, and ultimately to spring 2026. Industry analysts suggest that Apple’s cautious approach to AI innovation contrasts sharply with competitors such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, who have embraced generative AI technologies more aggressively.

According to a report from PYMNTS on June 9, 2025, former Apple employees have indicated that the company’s hesitance in adopting LLMs has resulted in a slower development process for Siri. This reluctance may stem from a desire to maintain user privacy and data security, principles central to Apple's corporate ethos.

The implications of this upgrade extend beyond technical enhancements; they may also reflect broader trends in the AI industry. As digital assistants become increasingly integrated into daily life, companies must navigate the delicate balance between innovation and ethical considerations.

Looking ahead, the successful integration of AI into Siri could position Apple favorably in the competitive landscape of voice-activated technology, potentially influencing consumer perceptions and adoption rates. As major tech companies continue to invest heavily in AI, Apple’s forthcoming upgrade will be closely monitored by industry stakeholders and consumers alike. The evolution of Siri is not merely a technological upgrade; it symbolizes the ongoing transformation of personal assistant technologies in the AI era, warranting attention from both tech enthusiasts and market analysts.