Apple has announced a delay in its AI-powered, “more personalized” Siri update, pushing back its release to sometime next year. The postponement has also affected the launch of Apple’s highly anticipated smart home hub, which relies on these AI-driven enhancements.
This delay comes as Apple struggles to keep up with AI innovation, leaving Siri lagging behind competitors like ChatGPT and Google Assistant.
Apple Delays Siri’s AI Overhaul—What Happened? (AI-Powered)
Apple first revealed its “more personalized” Siri at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, promising a game-changing AI upgrade. The tech giant claimed that this new version of Siri would:
✅ Understand personal context (relationships, communications, routines)
✅ Seamlessly interact across apps
✅ Execute actions more intelligently
However, on Friday, Apple admitted in a statement published by Daring Fireball that these features will take longer than expected to roll out. The company now anticipates a release in 2026, but no firm timeline has been provided.
1-Why the Delay? (AI-Powered)
While Apple hasn’t officially disclosed the exact reason behind the delay, industry analysts suggest that:
🔹 AI Model Development Issues – Apple is playing catch-up in generative AI, unlike OpenAI and Google, who have already built sophisticated AI assistants.
🔹 Performance & Accuracy Concerns – Recent reports show Siri providing incorrect answers to basic questions, raising doubts about its reliability.
🔹 Integration Challenges – Apple wants Siri to seamlessly interact across apps and devices, but implementing these complex AI-driven changes is proving difficult.
Siri’s Struggles: Apple Losing the AI Race?
Apple’s AI delays are fueling criticism from both users and tech experts. Many argue that Siri is outdated, especially when compared to ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Alexa.
Key Challenges for Siri: (AI-Powered)
📉 Declining User Trust – Reports of Siri misunderstanding commands or giving incorrect facts have increased frustration among users.
🚀 AI Competition Is Surging – ChatGPT and other AI models have rapidly evolved, making Siri’s capabilities look outdated.
💡 Investors & Critics Raising Concerns – Tech investor M.G. Siegler even suggested that Apple should replace Siri with ChatGPT, rather than just upgrading it.
Impact on Apple’s Smart Home Hub
Apple’s delay in launching Siri’s AI overhaul has also affected its smart home hub, which was originally expected to debut in March 2025.
2-What Was Apple’s Smart Home Hub? (AI-Powered)
🔹 6-inch touchscreen for controlling smart devices
🔹 Video call support
🔹 Voice-controlled automation using AI-powered Siri
However, since the hub’s core functionality relies on Siri’s advanced AI features, Apple cannot launch the device without a fully operational AI assistant.
Internal Testing Underway
Despite the delay, Apple has reportedly started internal testing of the smart home hub, allowing employees to test the device at home and provide feedback. This suggests that Apple is still actively developing the product, but waiting for Siri’s improvements before a public release.
3-What’s Next for Apple? (AI-Powered)
While Apple’s AI-powered Siri and smart home hub delays are disappointing, the company is still pushing forward in AI development.
Possible Future AI Announcements:
🛠 WWDC 2025 Preview – Apple may showcase Siri’s progress and provide a firm release date during the next Worldwide Developers Conference.
📱 iOS 19 Integration – Siri’s AI overhaul is expected to be deeply embedded in future iOS updates, possibly with new generative AI features.
🤖 AI Investments & Acquisitions – Apple is rumored to be investing heavily in AI to catch up with competitors, possibly acquiring AI startups to boost development.
4-Will Apple’s AI Gamble Pay Off?
Apple’s approach to AI is more cautious than its competitors, but if executed correctly, Siri’s upgrade could redefine AI-driven personal assistants. The key question is: Will Apple be too late?
Final Thoughts
Apple’s delayed Siri update and smart home hub postponement highlight significant challenges in its AI development. While the company is striving to deliver a cutting-edge AI-powered experience, competitors are rapidly advancing.
With Siri’s AI overhaul now expected in 2026, Apple must act fast to regain its position in the AI landscape. Until then, users will have to rely on an aging Siri while the rest of the AI world surges ahead.
