Apple Unveils Major Updates at WWDC 25, but Siri’s AI Overhaul Delayed
Streamlined Operating Systems and New Features Announced
At the recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 25), Apple made significant announcements regarding its software, services, and operating systems. A standout highlight was the introduction of a new aesthetic approach referred to as “Liquid Glass,” accompanied by a revamped naming convention for its products. However, the tech giant remained notably silent about one eagerly awaited innovation: an enhanced, AI-driven version of Siri.
Brief Mention of Siri Enhancements
During his keynote presentation, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi, addressed the ongoing development of Siri. He stated, “As we’ve shared, we’re continuing our work to deliver the features that make Siri even more personal. This work needed more time to reach our high-quality bar, and we look forward to sharing more about it in the coming year.”
The indication of a timeline extending into the next year leads many to speculate that substantial updates regarding Siri will not emerge until 2026. This signal represents a considerable delay in an era marked by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, where new models and upgrades are frequently introduced.
Anticipated Features of the New Siri
Originally unveiled at WWDC 24, the anticipated Siri upgrade promises to integrate advanced artificial intelligence capabilities into Apple’s virtual assistant, which is widely used across iPhones and other devices. The enhancement aims to allow Siri to comprehend users’ “personal contexts,” encompassing aspects such as relationships, communication, and daily routines.
In addition to improving understanding, the updated Siri is slated to offer increased functionality, enabling users to interact with applications in a more integrated manner.
Development Challenges and Strategic Changes
Reports from Bloomberg indicated that the current development iteration of the improved Siri is operational but suffers from consistency issues, achieving optimal performance only two-thirds of the time. Due to these quality concerns, Apple announced a delay in the anticipated launch, signaling that additional time is required to ensure the product meets the company’s high standards.
In March, Apple disclosed that it was reallocating resources on the project, reassigning John Giannandrea, the Senior Vice President of Machine Learning and AI Strategy, away from Siri. Mike Rockwell, known for his contributions to the Vision Pro project, has taken the helm, hinting at a strategic pivot as Apple seeks to reclaim momentum on this significant launch.
Collaboration with OpenAI
As part of its efforts to bridge the gap in AI capabilities, Apple has partnered with OpenAI. This collaboration allows Siri to direct inquiries that it cannot answer to ChatGPT, thereby enhancing user experience. Furthermore, with the impending release of iOS 26, Apple has made strides in upgrading its AI image generation app, Image Playground, to incorporate ChatGPT’s technology.
Continued Commitment to AI Innovations
At WWDC 25, Apple reiterated its commitment to advancing artificial intelligence by introducing a series of initiatives. These include granting developers access to on-device foundational models, enhancing live translation features, and improvements to Genmoji alongside updates to Image Playground. Other innovations announced include an AI “Workout Buddy” designed for the Apple Watch, AI enhancements in Xcode, and a revamped, AI-driven Shortcuts app focused on scripting and automation.
Conclusion
As Apple forges ahead with its development plans, the delayed rollout of a more personalized Siri marks a pivotal moment for the company in the competitive AI landscape. While strides are being made in other areas of artificial intelligence, investors and customers alike will be eagerly awaiting the release of these groundbreaking features.
