Apple (AAPL) Eyes Spring 2026 for Long-Awaited Siri AI Overhaul
Apple (AAPL) is reportedly targeting spring 2026 for the launch of its long-anticipated Siri AI upgrade, signaling a major leap forward in the company's AI (artificial intelligence) ambitions. The overhaul is expected to enhance Siri's capabilities, aligning it with the next generation of AI-powered digital assistants and boosting Apple's competitive edge in the fast-evolving tech landscape.
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Will It Be Worth the Wait?
According to Bloomberg, Apple's Siri team is planning to roll out the redesigned voice assistant with the iOS 26.4 update. Citing sources familiar with the project, the report says the upgrade will enable Siri to tap into users' data and on-screen context, significantly improving how it understands and responds to user requests.
However, Apple hasn't officially confirmed a specific release date for the new Siri features. The company reiterated its earlier message that the enhancements are expected to roll out over the coming year. The timeline remains flexible and could change if any new issues arise. According to one source, if development progresses smoothly in the coming weeks, Apple might preview the updated Siri features during the iPhone launch event this fall. However, no final decision has been made yet.
Apple Risks Losing Ground in AI Assistant Race
Apple's delay of key Siri AI enhancements to 2026 marks a setback in the fast-moving AI race. While rivals like Amazon (AMZN) and Google (GOOGL) are rapidly rolling out advanced AI features in their voice assistants, Apple's slower timeline risks leaving it behind in the competitive landscape.
The long-overdue Siri upgrade was first unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June last year. The goal was to revamp the aging voice assistant, launched back in 2011, which has struggled to keep up with modern AI chatbots and tools.
Interestingly, Apple's AI engineering and marketing teams are pointing fingers at one another. Engineers claim marketing overhyped Siri's AI capabilities, while marketing argues it relied on timelines provided by the AI team.
Is Apple a Good Stock to Buy Now?
Turning to Wall Street, AAPL stock has a Moderate Buy consensus rating on TipRanks based on 16 Buys, nine Holds, and four Sells assigned in the last three months. The average Apple share price target of $226.94 implies a 14% upside potential.
See more AAPL analyst ratings
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