Apple Inc.’s long-awaited Siri overhaul is facing engineering challenges and software bugs, which could delay or limit its release, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Apple first announced plans for an AI-powered Siri upgrade at its developers conference last June and has even promoted some features to customers, according to Bloomberg.
However, the company is still working to finalize the software, according to sources. Some features initially set for an April release may now be delayed until May or later.
The Siri revamp is a key part of Apple Intelligence, the company’s push to catch up in AI and drive iPhone upgrades.
However, Apple Intelligence has faced challenges from the start. Since its October launch, features have rolled out in phases, with some—like news summaries—receiving criticism for glitches.
Fine-tuning Siri is vital for Apple, which launched the digital assistant in 2011 as a pioneering innovation.
But as rivals advanced, Siri has come to highlight Apple’s AI shortcomings.
The latest Siri upgrades are separate from Apple’s efforts to bring AI features to devices in China.
For that project, Apple is collaborating with Alibaba and Baidu to develop a system that meets Chinese regulatory requirements, Bloomberg reported Thursday.
A spokesperson for the Cupertino-based company declined to comment on the Siri project.
Apple initially suggested the changes wouldn’t arrive until 2025, but the exact timeline was unclear. Internally, the company planned to roll out the technology with iOS 18.4, expected in April.
Now, Apple is weighing a delay or a partial rollout of the overhaul until iOS 18.5, expected as early as May, sources said.
The aims is to create a more versatile Siri that can seamlessly access users’ information and communication.
