Siri 2.0 delayed again: apple shifts focus to gemini for ai assistant
iPhone users were anticipating a significant upgrade to Siri with the upcoming iOS 26.4 beta, promising a conversational ai experience akin to Google's Gemini. But Apple has once again pushed back the release of this much-awaited feature, now aiming for iOS 26.5.
Personal siri on hold: apple turns to google's gemini
The delay, revealed by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, stems from challenges with the ai's tendency to "hallucinate" – generating incorrect or nonsensical responses. This setback throws a wrench into Apple's plans to launch a truly intelligent digital assistant with iOS 26.4, which had been eagerly anticipated after the release of iOS 26.3.
The initial vision for the revamped Siri, dubbed "Personal Siri," was ambitious. It would have allowed users to engage in more natural, multi-step interactions, such as asking about flight details based on their contacts, calendar, and messages. Users could even delegate tasks like adding contact information directly from the Messages app, all without leaving the current application. The integration with Google's Gemini, boasting a massive 1.2 trillion parameters – eight times larger than Siri's current model – was intended to provide a substantial leap in conversational ability.
However, the initial delay suggests that the complexity of integrating such a powerful ai model is proving to be a hurdle. Reports indicate that these "hallucinations" – instances where the ai confidently provides incorrect information – were a significant concern, prompting Apple to postpone the launch.
The good news is that the core functionalities of Personal Siri, including the ability to handle multi-step tasks within apps and leverage Gemini for complex queries, are now slated for iOS 26.5 Beta 1. Furthermore, Apple is reportedly paying Google a rumored $1 billion annually to utilize this custom Gemini model. This financial commitment underscores the significance Apple places on elevating its digital assistant.
Android users already have access to a similar experience through the Gemini app, which allows them to set alarms, timers, and engage in more comprehensive conversations with their virtual assistant. This feature is currently unavailable to iOS users.
For those eager to test out the upcoming iOS 26.5 Beta, Apple’s Beta Software Program is the gateway. The Developer Beta is now available, and the public beta will follow shortly after. Remember to back up your iPhone before installing any beta software. The Developer Beta can be accessed via Settings> General> Software Update> Beta Updates.
While the delay is undoubtedly disappointing for users hoping for an immediate upgrade, Apple’s partnership with Google and its continued investment in ai signal a long-term commitment to enhancing the capabilities of Siri. The shift towards leveraging a model like Gemini may well represent a fundamental change in how we interact with our devices. And it’s clear Apple is willing to adjust timelines to ensure a polished, reliable experience.