Apple's highly anticipated Siri AI upgrade is facing fresh delays amid reports of glitches, pushing back its rollout beyond initial expectations but still within this year, according to Bloomberg. The enhanced assistant, teased during the iPhone 16 event with the "Glow Time" tagline, failed to materialize as promised, leaving iPhone users waiting longer for the AI overhaul.
Earlier rumors pointed to a potential launch alongside the iOS 26.4 update, but new information suggests users may need to hold off until at least the iOS 26.5 or iOS 26.7 versions. These details emerged from an internal iOS 26 build, which initially hinted at an announcement around springtime. However, Apple appears poised to shift the release to later in the year, meaning the forthcoming iOS 26 beta is unlikely to include the major Siri upgrade.
The exact reasons for the delay remain unclear, with sources urging caution on the rumors until Apple provides official confirmation. Siri has increasingly become a challenge for the company, as it grapples with integrating advanced AI capabilities effectively.
Apple has identified Google's Gemini as the most capable foundation model for its future AI initiatives. The company plans to leverage Gemini for its own features, including Siri, while developing and operating them through its proprietary AI data servers and private cloud compute system to maintain user data privacy.
Google is set to supply the AI model to Apple, with reports indicating the tech giant will charge approximately $1 billion per year to customize it according to Apple's specifications and parameters. A recent Google earnings call further revealed that Apple is fully committed to operationalizing Siri AI, with the features running through Google cloud servers.
