Apple’s ambitious overhaul of its virtual assistant Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence, faces internal performance concerns from engineers just months ahead of its planned iOS 26.4 release.
Software engineers at the technology giant have voiced “concerns” regarding the new Siri’s capabilities, according to a report by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman. Specific details about the assistant’s shortcomings have not been publicly disclosed.
The reports suggest that Apple still has considerable work to undertake before the official launch. The iOS 26.4 update is anticipated between March and April 2026, providing the company with approximately five to six months to address any remaining issues.
The revamped Siri was initially showcased at the company’s WWDC 2024 event. It promises three core functionalities aimed at a more intuitive user experience.
These include screen awareness, allowing Siri to comprehend content displayed on a device’s screen. It also features personal context, enabling the assistant to understand a user’s individual preferences and appointments.
Furthermore, the new Siri is designed with enhanced in-app controls, facilitating deeper interaction and specific actions within applications. An example cited was Siri’s ability to provide details on a user’s flight plans or lunch reservations by drawing information from apps like Mail and Messages.
The new Siri was originally scheduled for release with iOS 18.4 last year but faced delays. In July, Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that the company was making “good progress” on personalizing Siri, with features set for release “next year.”
However, if performance problems persist, the planned iOS 26.4 launch could be jeopardized. The situation raises questions about Apple’s capacity to deliver on its promised user experience.
The global tech community is awaiting further updates and clarifications from Apple regarding the future development and deployment of Siri.