Apple’s Siri Overhaul Delayed: New Features to Be Released in Batches

Recently, Apple has made significant revisions to its AI initiatives, particularly the World Knowledge Answers AI project, the Safari browser enhancements, and modifications to the Apple Health app. In light of these changes, the company has opted for a phased rollout of the new Gemini-enhanced Siri instead of a full-scale launch.

Apple Faces Challenges with New Gemini-Enhanced Siri

In recent weeks, we’ve reported extensively on Apple’s decision to integrate Google’s Gemini technology into its evolving on-device Foundation Models and for an upgraded Siri. This transformation aims to introduce long-awaited features, including improved in-app actions, personalized awareness, and contextual responsiveness, thereby enhancing Siri’s capabilities across various applications based on user data and on-screen activity.

To support these ambitious enhancements, Apple plans to deploy an immense 1.2-trillion-parameter custom Gemini AI model on its cloud servers. Under the broader initiative labeled Apple Intelligence, the company intends to execute simpler AI tasks using on-device models while routing more complex functions to its secure cloud infrastructure, ensuring data privacy through encrypted and stateless methods.

Originally, the revamped Siri was projected to debut in February, with renowned tech analyst Mark Gurman initially suggesting a release on February 23. However, recent developments suggest that this timeline has been complicated due to testing hurdles.

NEW: Apple’s long-planned upgrade to the Siri virtual assistant has run into snags during testing in recent weeks, potentially pushing back the release of several highly anticipated functions to at least iOS 26.5 and iOS 27.https://t.co/Nke3FJPaX8

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) February 11, 2026

Gurman reported that Apple is re-evaluating the launch strategy, indicating that the anticipated features are now likely to be staggered throughout the year instead of grouped in a single release. The adjustments mean that some functionalities may be delayed until iOS 26.5, expected in May, or even until iOS 27, which is scheduled for September.

“After planning to include the new capabilities in iOS 26.4 — an operating system update slated for March — Apple is now working to spread them out over future versions, according to people familiar with the matter. That would mean possibly postponing at least some features until at least iOS 26.5, due in May, and iOS 27, which comes out in September.”

Among the features facing potential delays is Siri’s improved ability to access personal information. This enhancement is designed to allow users to request actions such as searching through old text messages for podcasts shared by friends and playing them instantly.

Additionally, challenges with the in-app actions functionality indicate that Apple is unlikely to showcase the refurbished Siri with a grand reveal as initially planned. The gradual rollout approach may lead to a more tailored experience for users, albeit after a longer wait.

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