Apple's Intelligence Unit is encountering further setbacks, with Siri as the potential culprit
Apple's much-anticipated update to Siri, featuring large language model technology, is facing a significant delay. Originally slated for 2025, the upgrade is now expected to arrive in 2026 or even later[1][3].
The new system, internally known as "LLM Siri" or "Siri 2.0," was designed to provide a more conversational approach, but technical challenges have caused the delay[1]. To bridge the gap, Apple is reportedly considering partnerships with third-party AI providers such as OpenAI and Anthropic[1][2].
The latest rumours suggest that the Siri update will not be a major overhaul complete with large language model technology in iOS 18.4 this spring[2]. Instead, it seems that the comprehensive LLM Siri upgrade will not be available until the end of 2026[3].
Meanwhile, competitors like Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant are continually evolving and expanding their capabilities in the voice assistant market. Amazon recently announced a new version of its AI assistant, Alexa+, which integrates with smart home and streaming devices[2].
Alexa+ offers features that go beyond the basic chat and search functionality, such as remembering and recognising household members, keeping track of personalised routines and reminders for different people, summarising activity from smart home devices, helping navigate video content on Prime Video, and recommending movies and shows based on natural conversations[2].
As Apple works towards a more powerful Siri, the author suggests that if Apple wants to make an impact in AI, it needs to give Siri a major overhaul to catch up with competitors like Amazon's Alexa+[2]. The author expressed hope that the rumours about the delay in the Siri update are wrong and that the LLM overhaul is arriving soon[2].
Apple still plans to get Apple Intelligence fused into its operating systems more seamlessly, with a possible introduction at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June of 2026[2]. The author did not rank any specific AI apps as alternatives to waiting for Apple's Siri upgrade, and did not express any specific opinion about the cost of Alexa+.
- In the wake of the delay in Apple's Siri update, users hoping for a noticeable upgrade in 2025 might want to consider exploration of other voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, which are continually progressing in the realm of technology.
- One of the latest advancements in the competitive voice assistant market is Amazon's Alexa+, which not only offers standard chat and search functionality but also features such as remembering and recognizing household members, and summarizing activity from smart home devices.
- With Apple's Siri update anticipated to roll out in late 2026, technology enthusiasts might also be intrigued by the Mac's cutting-edge display, RAM, and keyboard specifications, offering an alluring alternative to wait for an overhauled Siri.
- The author noted that a key aspect for Apple to compete effectively in AI is to provide a significant upgrade to Siri, as compared to AI offerings like Amazon's Alexa+, with the author expressing hope that the delay in the Siri update is only temporary and the anticipated large language model overhaul is on the horizon.
