Google Gemini-powered Siri delayed beyond iOS 26.4, report claims

Apple’s upgraded, Google Gemini-powered version of Siri may not arrive with iOS 26.4 after all, according to a new report.

As highlighted by 9to5Mac, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple is facing internal challenges in getting the redesigned assistant ready for release.

Apple had originally been targeting iOS 26.4, expected in March, as the launch window for the long-awaited personalised Siri experience. The update is still due to enter beta in February, but the most advanced AI features may now be pushed back.

Gurman reports that Apple is considering spreading the new capabilities across later updates, including iOS 26.5 in May and potentially even iOS 27 in September.

One feature seen as particularly at risk of delay is Siri’s deeper integration with personal data. The expanded system is designed to allow users to ask complex questions that draw from apps such as Messages and Mail.

For example, users would be able to ask Siri to find a podcast shared in a past conversation and immediately play it, with the assistant pulling together information from across the device.

Apple first previewed the personalised Siri overhaul at WWDC 2024, demonstrating how the assistant could use on-screen content and personal context to complete tasks more intelligently.

Despite striking a deal with Google to use Gemini AI as part of the system’s underlying model, Gurman says engineering hurdles are complicating the rollout.

Apple has not publicly committed to a specific release date beyond saying the features would arrive this year.