Apple Delays Implementation of Gemini-powered Siri Features Until iOS 27

Apple, despite securing a partnership with Google for the enhanced Siri using Gemini AI, is encountering internal obstacles in finalizing the upgraded product. Delays in development might extend to the release of iOS 27 in the upcoming fall. The tech giant initially unveiled an advanced Siri version in 2024, but the update is yet to be rolled out.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple’s plan to integrate the new capabilities in iOS 26.4, scheduled for March, is now being reevaluated to spread across future updates. This adjustment could potentially push back the introduction of certain features to iOS 26.5 in May and iOS 27 in September.

One feature likely to face a delay is Siri’s extended access to personal data. This enhancement would enable users to request the assistant to search through old text messages for a podcast shared by a friend and play it instantly.

Gurman highlights that features like “voice-based control of in-app actions” are lagging behind schedule. Nonetheless, both functionalities are expected to be included in an iOS 26 update.

Earlier today, Apple rolled out iOS 26.3, focusing on bug fixes and security enhancements. While the debut of Siri powered by Gemini was anticipated in iOS 26.4 beta later this month, it seems that users will have to wait for the next cycle to experience these updates.

Apple finalized its agreement with Google for Gemini AI models in January, following considerations of internal models and options from Anthropic. The tech company initially announced the enhanced Siri in June 2024 for iOS 18, deferring the release to this year.

Aside from the initial Siri enhancements driven by Gemini, Gurman also suggests that Siri will be revamped to resemble a chatbot in iOS 27.

For the full story, visit Bloomberg.