Apple is preparing to unveil a significantly upgraded version of Siri, incorporating advanced artificial intelligence features. This transformation follows over a year of development challenges and is expected to be showcased with the release of iOS 26.4 in early March 2024.
At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple highlighted three major enhancements for Siri, leveraging its new AI framework, Apple Intelligence. Initially slated to launch with iOS 18.4, the updates faced delays due to technical difficulties with the Siri engineering stack. Apple has since decided to rebuild Siri on a new large language model (LLM) based infrastructure, a move aimed at improving performance and user experience.
Recent reports indicate that Apple may utilize Google Gemini to power some of these features, opting for a Private Cloud Compute model that ensures user data remains secure and does not reach Google. According to Filipe Esposito from Macworld, new Siri functionalities are set to launch alongside iOS 26.4, based on insights derived from internal Apple code.
Emerging Features and Future Plans
In addition to the revamped Siri, Apple is reportedly developing its own generative AI search engine. This initiative was first disclosed in August 2023, and according to tech analyst Mark Gurman, it could debut around the same time as iOS 26.4. This strategic move positions Apple to compete more directly with existing AI search technologies.
As for the precise release date of iOS 26.4, historical trends suggest it will likely be available in March or April 2024. Following this timeline, the first beta version could be accessible as early as next month, allowing users to experience the new Siri features in less than six weeks.
Apple’s commitment to enhancing Siri reflects a broader trend in technology, where AI integration is becoming increasingly central to user interfaces. As the launch date approaches, both developers and consumers are eager to see how these innovations will reshape their interactions with Apple’s ecosystem.
With these changes on the horizon, Apple aims to not only improve Siri’s functionality but also redefine the role of AI in everyday technology use. The anticipation surrounding these updates marks a significant moment in Apple’s evolution as a leader in the tech industry.
