So, it looks like Apple has hit a bit of a snag with some of the most awaited AI features in iOS 19, especially when it comes to Siri, their virtual assistant. They’re pushing things back because, well, integrating generative AI tech is trickier than they thought.
They want Siri to stand toe-to-toe with AI models like Google’s Gemini and ChatGPT, but that’s no easy feat! Because of this, some features that were supposed to roll out in iOS 18 are also getting delayed. Remember that new version of Siri we were all excited about? It was supposed to come out in iOS 18.4, but now we’ll have to hang tight until iOS 18.5 to see those shiny new updates.
Now, about Siri’s ambitious overhaul.
The fresh Siri experience has been in the works since February, and Apple is aiming to change how we interact with our iPhones, iPads, and other devices. They want Siri to be smarter, more aware of context, and to give us better info and answers that actually make sense. Apple wants Siri to be a serious competitor against other AI assistants like Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. But, you know, they’ve got some tech challenges to tackle first.
So, what’s delayed and what can we expect next?
The revamped Siri features are now set to launch with iOS 18.5. The first beta is likely to drop in April, while the final version should roll out in May. But here’s the thing: it’s still a bit unclear if we’ll see any of these features in the iOS 18.4 betas or if that update will just focus on making things run smoother. Users can look forward to some improvements in how Siri understands context, some more relevant answers, and maybe even some new tools for Apple’s AI assistant. But, unfortunately, we’ll have to wait until later this year for all of this.
The delay shines a light on just how crucial AI is becoming for Apple’s long-term game plan. With generative AI and machine learning gaining traction, Apple is putting a lot of chips on the table to make Siri a more capable assistant so they can keep up with the rapid tech advancements from competitors.