The latest reports from Bloomberg indicate that Apple is set to preview exciting new features for Siri in the fall of 2024, with a planned release in the spring of 2025. This timeline was shared on June 12, citing unnamed sources familiar with the company's plans. When Bloomberg inquired about the exact release date, an Apple representative stated that while no specific date has been announced, the company has confirmed that significant Siri upgrades are in the works for the “coming year.”
Originally, Apple unveiled its plans for new Siri capabilities back in June 2024, which were anticipated to launch in the fall of that year. However, the timeline has experienced multiple shifts, with the targeted release date moving from fall 2024 to spring 2025. As reported in March, the timeline was further postponed, with Apple now looking to roll out these features sometime in the upcoming year.
Throughout this period, Apple has faced several technical challenges that necessitated a complete overhaul of the Siri system. Additionally, there have been significant changes in the management of the Siri team, as noted in the report. Craig Federighi, Apple’s software engineering chief and one of the new heads of engineering for Siri, commented during the recent Worldwide Developers Conference: “This work needed more time to reach our high quality bar, and we look forward to sharing more about it in the coming year.”
In a quarterly earnings call on May 1, Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged the need for more time to enhance Siri's AI capabilities. Cook stated, “We are making progress, and we look forward to getting these features into customers’ hands.” When pressed for further details regarding the delays, he simply mentioned, “There’s not a lot of other reasons. … It’s just taking a bit longer than we thought.”
Recent reports from June 8 revealed that former Apple employees pointed to challenges in integrating state-of-the-art large language models (LLMs), which are crucial for delivering more sophisticated and contextually relevant responses to user prompts. This ongoing struggle highlights the complexities involved in modernizing Siri and delivering a more robust user experience.
As we look forward to the planned updates for Siri, it’s clear that Apple is committed to enhancing its virtual assistant, albeit with some delays. With the anticipated preview in the fall of 2024, users can expect significant improvements designed to elevate their interaction with Siri. Stay tuned for more updates as Apple prepares to share its vision for the future of Siri.
