Apple is preparing to launch a significantly upgraded version of its virtual assistant, Siri, by early March 2024. Following a series of engineering challenges since its initial announcement over a year and a half ago, the new AI-enhanced Siri is expected to debut alongside the upcoming iOS 26.4 update.
New Features and Delays
During the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple introduced three major upgrades for Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence. Originally slated for release in iOS 18.4, these enhancements faced delays due to complications with the Siri engineering framework. Apple ultimately decided to rebuild Siri from the ground up using a new large language model (LLM) infrastructure.
Currently, Apple is exploring the possibility of integrating Google Gemini to support these new features, rather than relying solely on on-device models. If implemented, this approach will utilize Private Cloud Compute technology, ensuring user data remains secure and inaccessible to Google. According to Macworld journalist Filipe Esposito, internal Apple code suggests that these new Siri capabilities are on track for inclusion in the iOS 26.4 release.
Future Developments in AI
In addition to the upgrades for Siri, Apple is reportedly working on a generative AI search engine, a project first revealed in August 2023. Renowned tech analyst Mark Gurman has indicated that this search engine might also launch in March 2024, coinciding with the iOS 26.4 rollout.
While the exact release date for iOS 26.4 remains unconfirmed, historical patterns suggest that it will likely arrive in March or April. This timeline indicates that beta versions of the software could be available to developers within weeks, providing an opportunity for users to preview the revamped Siri before its official launch.
As Apple continues to refine its AI capabilities, the upcoming months will be pivotal in shaping the future of Siri and enhancing user experience across its devices. The anticipated improvements reflect Apple’s commitment to integrating advanced technology while prioritizing user privacy and data protection.
