Apple’s recent introduction of Apple Intelligence, featuring a range of advanced generative AI functions, spotlighted a revamped Siri. In a move to compete vigorously with rivals like Google, this enhanced version of Siri promises to be genuinely useful through the application of artificial intelligence.

When the complete rollout of Apple Intelligence occurs, Siri is anticipated to possess a greater understanding of context, enabling it to analyze the content displayed on your device to better respond to inquiries. For instance, if a friend shares their new address, you could simply instruct Siri to “add this address to their contact card,” without needing to clarify which contact or address, as the assistant is expected to interpret the on-screen information. Another significant upgrade is the ability for Siri to perform tasks on your behalf, such as sending an email from your drafts, modifying an image, or adding a picture to a designated note.

The Anticipation Continues

However, the anticipated enhancements to Siri have yet to be fully realized. Although iOS 18.1 brought minor upgrades to Siri, including a new visual design and features that allow users to type to Siri by tapping the bottom of their screens, more substantial improvements are still pending. The assistant now understands mispronunciations better and can assist users with quick tech queries, like “How do I turn off Do Not Disturb?”

Despite these updates, Siri did not receive further enhancements in iOS 18.1. The subsequent release, iOS 18.2, introduced additional Apple Intelligence features, including integration with ChatGPT, but left Siri unchanged. iOS 18.3 was another incremental update, lacking enhancements for Siri, and even iOS 18.4, previously considered a viable candidate for a major Siri update, arrived without any new capabilities for the assistant.

Uncertainty Surrounding Siri’s Future

For those eagerly awaiting the promised capabilities of the new Siri, patience will be required. Back in September, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple intended to launch most significant Siri innovations with the iOS 18.4 update. However, prior to the release of the first 18.4 beta, Gurman noted that technical challenges were impeding progress, complicating the implementation of Siri’s AI features. Consequently, further delays appear likely, a prediction that has indeed come to fruition.

The focus now shifts to iOS 18.5, which features hopes for the inclusion of these new AI capabilities. It is anticipated that this update will be released around May, with the beta version available earlier. To facilitate the upcoming features, Apple is dividing Siri into two distinct processes: one focused on traditional tasks such as setting reminders and making calls, and the other dedicated to the innovative AI enhancements. The goal is to ultimately merge these two functionalities for a holistic experience; however, this integration is not yet complete, even for the anticipated 18.5 release. As a result, when these new Siri features do launch, they may not operate at full capacity.

According to Gurman, the fully developed version of Siri, codenamed LLM Siri, is unlikely to debut before iOS 19—and potentially not until iOS 19.4—expected to be unveiled at this year’s WWDC. In a similar vein, enhancements aimed at making Siri more conversational, similar to the Voice Mode of ChatGPT, have also faced delays and are not anticipated to be showcased at WWDC. The release timeline for these features may extend as far as 2027 with iOS 20, leaving uncertainties about the competitive landscape, especially concerning how rivals like ChatGPT will evolve in that timeframe.

Compatibility Limitations for Siri Enhancements

Although iOS 18 supports devices dating back to the iPhone XS, not all models will be eligible for the new Siri enhancements. The advanced features of Apple Intelligence will be restricted to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 series, including the recently introduced iPhone 16e. Users with iPhone 15 or older models will not benefit from these upgrades, even following the installation of iOS 18.5 or any subsequent updates bringing the revamped Siri capabilities.