Apple's AI-Powered Siri Arrives Late, But Wider Availability Could Be a Win

Daily Technology

19/01/2026

Apple's highly anticipated AI-enhanced Siri, a core component of Apple Intelligence, has experienced a significant delay. Initially expected to be a flagship feature, its rollout has been hampered by the complexities of developing advanced AI models and Apple's stringent privacy standards, which limit the data available for training.

Key Takeaways

The delay in Apple Intelligence Siri's release has allowed for a broader user base to acquire compatible devices.
Integration with Google's Gemini models via Apple's Private Cloud Compute addresses intensive AI tasks.
Future updates will likely require devices capable of supporting local AI models.

A Broader Reach Through Patience

The extended development timeline for Apple Intelligence, including the new Siri, has an unexpected benefit: increased device compatibility. When Apple Intelligence was first announced at WWDC24, it was restricted to devices with the A17 Pro chip or later, primarily the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. However, the passage of time means that more iPhone models, including all iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 series devices, now support these advanced features. This expansion transforms Apple Intelligence from a premium feature exclusive to the latest high-end models into a widely accessible software update for a substantial portion of the iPhone user base.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Outlook

To overcome the challenges of processing intensive AI tasks, Apple has partnered with Google. Gemini models will now run on Apple's Private Cloud Compute servers, powering many of the advanced Apple Intelligence features, including the revamped Siri. While these cloud-based solutions handle complex operations, local AI models will continue to play a crucial role. Apple's strategy appears to be that all Apple Intelligence features, regardless of whether they use local or cloud processing, will eventually require devices capable of supporting local AI models. This approach ensures a consistent user experience and leverages the processing power of newer Apple hardware.

A Smoother Rollout Ahead

The upcoming rollout of Siri with iOS 26.4 this spring, followed by additional Apple Intelligence features in iOS 27, is poised to be met with a more positive reception. With a significantly larger number of iPhone users now equipped with compatible devices, the impact and appreciation of these new AI capabilities are expected to be greater. Assuming the implementation is seamless, this delay, while frustrating for some, may ultimately lead to a more successful and widely adopted AI integration for Apple users.

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