Apple's significant update for Siri, focusing on AI, may not be ready until 2027.

      Apple's advancements in integrating AI into its hardware have not been as notable as its achievements in computing and wearable technology. While competitors like Google and Microsoft have aggressively integrated generative AI tools throughout their software, Siri has fallen behind. According to Bloomberg, it appears that Siri's anticipated AI revamp may not be complete until 2027. The report indicates that individuals involved in Apple's AI initiatives believe that its foundational and large language models—essential for its in-house AI functionalities—are reaching their limits.

      This does not bode well for Siri's future and the much-touted AI transformation. Currently, the digital assistant operates on a dual-architecture system: one part handles legacy functions, while the other focuses on generative AI capabilities akin to those of ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Apple is reportedly planning to unify these two components into a single cohesive system expected to debut with iOS 19. Historically, this will likely be showcased first at its developer conference scheduled for June, with the iOS 19.4 update anticipated in the spring of 2026.

      That’s still a lengthy wait, and the development efforts are ongoing. The company is reportedly working internally on an undisclosed project named “LLM Siri” to combine the two digital assistant frameworks. However, this initiative appears to be behind schedule. According to the report, Apple’s AI division believes a fully modernized, conversational version of Siri may not be available to consumers until iOS 20 at the earliest, in 2027. The Bloomberg article also notes that iOS 19 is not expected to include any significant improvements to Apple's AI features.

      Currently, Siri has been relying on ChatGPT for tasks typically performed by a generative AI chatbot, similar to Google’s Alexa or Microsoft’s Copilot, both of which have supplanted older products like Google Assistant and Cortana. That said, there is still a considerable gap to bridge. Amazon has also made significant enhancements with its new Alexa+ assistant.

      Siri's current state feels outdated. Apple's AI-driven news summaries often lack coherence, and the summarized notifications are inconsistent. There simply isn’t enough inherent "AI" in Siri or the Apple Intelligence suite to make an impression. Furthermore, factors such as an AI chip shortage, talent poaching, sluggish development, and ineffective leadership have exacerbated the situation.

      Additionally, the rapid advancements in the AI industry can render the team's work obsolete by the time it is ready for release, employees have stated. Although Apple has made some strides by partnering with major Chinese AI corporations like Alibaba and Baidu to accelerate its efforts, these initiatives appear more focused on expanding Apple Intelligence in China rather than enhancing the overall development of Siri and the broader AI ecosystem. In the coming years, Apple will face a significant challenge not only to remain competitive but also to catch up with rivals who are already far ahead.