Apple’s ambitious plan to revamp Siri with its Apple Intelligence AI tool is facing significant setbacks, potentially delaying its release for several iOS generations. Originally slated for a much earlier launch, the integration has proven more challenging than anticipated, leaving Apple scrambling to address underlying flaws.
Internal Struggles and “Intense Personal Accountability”
A recent Bloomberg report reveals the extent of the delays and the frustration within Apple. During an internal meeting, Robby Walker, Apple’s senior director for Siri, described the situation as “ugly,” acknowledging that there’s no guarantee the new features will be ready for iOS 19 this year. This follows previous delays, with the feature initially planned for last June to compete with rivals, then pushed back to April with iOS 18.4, and now potentially facing a postponement to 2027.
The Bloomberg report also highlights the pressure on Apple executives. Software chief Craig Federighi and AI head John Giannandrea are reportedly taking “intense personal accountability” for the delays. Internal testing revealed malfunctioning features, raising concerns about the overall readiness of the AI-powered Siri.
Prioritizing Other Projects and Platform-Wide Updates
Apple’s focus on other projects, including upcoming hardware launches and a major platform-wide overhaul aimed at improving uniformity and functionality, further complicates the Siri project’s timeline. Walker acknowledged the urgency of these commitments, suggesting they might take precedence over the delayed Siri features. These updates are expected to be showcased at the World Wide Developers Conference in June, potentially pushing the Siri revamp even further down the roadmap.
Balancing Customer Expectations and Quality
Despite the setbacks, Walker expressed confidence in his team’s progress and emphasized Apple’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive and polished Siri experience. He acknowledged that competitors might have released similar features in a less refined state, but Apple is determined to wait until its AI-powered Siri meets its high standards.
Focusing on a “Fully Rounded-Out Siri”
While the delays are undoubtedly frustrating, Apple’s focus on quality and user experience suggests they are striving to deliver a truly enhanced Siri. The company’s commitment to a “fully rounded-out Siri” indicates a desire to move beyond simply adding new features and instead create a more seamless and intuitive voice assistant.
A Waiting Game
While the exact timeline for the AI-powered Siri remains uncertain, the ongoing development underscores Apple’s dedication to innovation in the voice assistant space. The delays, though “ugly,” may ultimately result in a more robust and reliable Siri experience for users.
