Apple’s much-anticipated AI overhaul of Siri has been delayed once again, with the advanced version of the voice assistant now expected to arrive no earlier than late 2026. According to a report by Bloomberg, internal testing has revealed persistent technical and performance issues, prompting Apple to extend its development timeline.

The upgraded Siri, first teased in 2024, was previously expected to roll out in stages through iOS 26.4. However, sources cited in the report indicate that the system is still not ready for public release. While earlier plans suggested a debut as soon as March with iOS 24.6, the launch window has now shifted significantly.

The redesigned Siri is built on a new architecture internally known as “Linwood,” combining Apple’s proprietary large language model with technology from Google’s Gemini AI. The goal is to transform Siri into a more conversational, chatbot-style assistant capable of advanced web searches, contextual understanding, and even image generation.

Despite these ambitions, testing has reportedly exposed several shortcomings:

• Performance lag: The system struggles with speed and responsiveness.

• Complex command handling: Siri has difficulty executing multi-step or rapid commands, sometimes interrupting users mid-sentence.

• App integration challenges: Apple’s “app intents” feature — enabling Siri to complete multiple in-app tasks in a single command — remains unreliable.

• Data privacy concerns: Apple is said to be scaling back plans that would allow Siri to access deeper personal data, such as scanning old messages for shared media. Privacy sensitivities may be influencing this cautious approach.

The chatbot-style Siri, code-named “Campo,” was originally expected in iOS 27, but its rollout may also see adjustments depending on ongoing development progress.

While Apple refines its strategy, competitors are advancing rapidly. Amazon has already launched Alexa Plus, offering more conversational AI capabilities and deeper third-party app integrations. Meanwhile, Gemini-powered home integrations continue expanding within Google’s ecosystem.

Industry analysts suggest Apple’s slower pace may stem from its historically cautious approach to emerging technologies. Compared to rivals, Apple invested less aggressively in generative AI during the early surge of large language model development. Now, the company appears focused on delivering a more stable and polished experience rather than rushing an incomplete product to market.

According to the Bloomberg report, beta versions of the upgraded Siri could begin appearing in iOS 26.5 or iOS 27, signaling gradual progress toward a public release. However, consumers may need to wait until late 2026 — at the earliest — before experiencing the fully reimagined AI-powered assistant.

For Apple users hoping for a smarter, more conversational Siri, the message remains the same: patience will be required.