Apple Targets Spring 2026 for Major Siri AI Overhaul, Promises Smarter Assistant

Apple Inc. is setting its sights on a spring 2026 release for a significantly revamped Siri, aiming to deliver a much-anticipated upgrade to its voice assistant as a cornerstone of its evolving artificial intelligence strategy. This internal target, reported by Bloomberg, signals a firm commitment to a more capable and context-aware Siri, following previous delays.

The dedicated Siri development team is reportedly working diligently to integrate the enhanced voice assistant into an iOS 26.4 software update. Historically, Apple's ".4" updates (internally dubbed "E" releases) typically roll out in March, as seen with iOS 18.4 this year and iOS 17.4 in 2023. While a specific release date within spring 2026 is yet to be finalized internally, the timeframe indicates a clear direction for the project.

These long-awaited improvements promise to transform Siri's functionality by allowing it to tap into users' personal data and on-screen activities. This deeper integration is designed to enable Siri to offer more intelligent and personalized responses to queries, moving beyond its current capabilities. The goal is to make Siri a more intuitive and proactive "device copilot," capable of understanding complex, multi-step tasks and interacting seamlessly across Apple's ecosystem. A key feature under development, known as "App Intents," is expected to provide Siri with more precise control over applications and in-app operations.

When approached for comment, Apple informed Bloomberg that it has not yet announced specific timing for the new Siri features, reiterating its earlier statements that these upgrades are slated for the "coming year." This cautious stance reflects the complexities and technical challenges faced in rebuilding Siri's core system, which reportedly involved moving from a dual-architecture approach to a more robust, second-generation framework.

This ambitious Siri upgrade is a critical component of Apple's broader push to significantly advance its artificial intelligence offerings. While Apple has previously taken a more measured approach to AI compared to some rivals, this upcoming overhaul indicates a strong intent to catch up and redefine the user experience with deeply integrated, privacy-focused intelligence.