Apple’s efforts to revolutionise its voice assistant, Siri, with advanced artificial intelligence capabilities have encountered notable setbacks. Internal sources indicate that a fully modernised, conversational version of Siri is now projected to debut with iOS 20, anticipated in 2027, marking a substantial delay from earlier plans.
The tech giant had initially aimed to integrate large language models into Siri, enhancing its ability to understand and process natural language more effectively. An interim update, leveraging these LLMs, was scheduled for release with iOS 18.5. However, this version is expected to operate separately from Siri’s existing framework, potentially leading to inconsistencies in user experience.
Apple’s strategy involves merging the traditional Siri architecture with the new AI-driven system to create a unified platform capable of handling both basic commands and more complex, context-aware tasks. This comprehensive overhaul was initially slated for iOS 19.4 but has been postponed due to developmental delays, equipment shortages, and internal challenges within Apple’s AI division.
These internal challenges include reports of ineffective leadership and a talent drain, with several key AI personnel departing for rival companies. Consequently, some within Apple’s AI department now believe that a truly modernised, conversational version of Siri will not be available to consumers until the release of iOS 20, expected in 2027.
In contrast, competitors like Amazon are advancing their AI assistants more rapidly. Amazon’s Alexa has undergone significant upgrades, including a complete system re-architecture that blends legacy functionalities with new AI capabilities. This revamped version of Alexa is set to enter early access soon, positioning Amazon ahead in the AI assistant race.
Apple’s delay in enhancing Siri’s capabilities may impact its competitiveness in the AI-driven voice assistant market. As consumers increasingly seek more natural and intuitive interactions with their devices, the pressure mounts on Apple to accelerate its AI development efforts to meet these evolving expectations.
