Apple's AI-Powered Siri Overhaul Faces Bugs and Possible Delays [Report]

Apple's long-awaited update to its Siri personal assistant is facing engineering problems and software bugs that could postpone or limit its release, according to a new report from Bloomberg.

Apple has been working on a major upgrade to Siri that will use artificial intelligence to better serve its users. The new features, first unveiled at last June's developers conference, promise to let Siri tap into your data and control apps with greater precision. For example, you might ask Siri to find a file or song discussed in a text message, or even look up your mom's flight details by searching your emails and texts.

However, the company is facing technical challenges with these features and is considering whether to delay them or release them in stages.


Inside Apple, many employees testing the new Siri have found that these features don't yet work consistently. And it's nearing crunch time for the software to be ready. Though iOS 18.4 won't be released publicly until April, the beta version for developers is expected to debut as early as next week. Another option on the table is including the features in the April release but having them turned off by default. In that scenario, Apple could then enable them automatically in the iOS 18.5 update.

Apple has not commented on the challenges, but Bloomberg highlights that the company is under pressure to deliver an AI system that can compete with rivals like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. The upgrade is seen as essential for maintaining the reputation of Siri, which was once a breakthrough when it debuted in 2011.

Along with the Siri overhaul, Apple plans to update other parts of its software ecosystem. For example, AI sorting of mail messages—which is already available on the iPhone—is expected to arrive on the iPad and Mac, likely as part of iPadOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4. Users can also look forward to a priority notifications interface for highlighting important alerts, a new sketch style in the Image Playground app for creating images, and upgraded control enhancements (an improved version of App Intents) that will support the company's upcoming smart home hub.

Delays with Siri could likely cause ripple effects that might push back other planned updates, including features expected in iOS 19.


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