Apple latest iOS 26.4 by spring 2026 and the focus is on a deeply revamped Siri. However, Some internal tests have set off alarm bells for the assistant's performance, according to journalist Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter. The project is ambitious, but there are voices within the company who fear that the version won't meet the quality standards by the planned date. Engineers and managers point to performance stumbling blocks and warn that a lukewarm debut could worsen the perception of AI lag.
What worries engineers at Apple
The tests, according to Gurman, point out that the new Siri does not perform consistently in different apps and, in particular, falters in critical scenarios such as those related to finances or sensitive tasks. The project is already experiencing delays after a move to an older version of iOS was considered but was dropped for not passing internal filters.
According to published information, if the launch is not up to par, There could be more departures of senior profiles from the AI area. For now, those testing iOS 26.4 have expressed clear doubts about the state of the voice assistant.
Apple is considering two technical paths for the first major iteration: running the models on the device itself or rely on the cloud through Private Cloud Computing, with Google Gemini as an option on the table. The lack of a firm decision reflects the internal debate over technological independence and speed of deployment.
While that course is being defined, Siri has resorted to ChatGPT for complex queries, and in Cupertino, alliances with third parties such as Anthropic or Google itself have also been explored. The dilemma is clear: maximum privacy and control with proprietary models, or greater flexibility and speed with external support.
A new architecture that is still maturing
Apple migrated from the first Siri architecture to a second generation considering that V1 did not reach the quality level expected. However, this V2 also faces its own maturation curve, something common in large-scale redesigns, and which explains part of the current setbacks.
In parallel, there have been significant departures. Ke Yang, Head of the Answers, Knowledge and Information team, left the company a few weeks after his appointment and joined Meta. This group worked to enable Siri to retrieve information directly from the web based on user requests.
Profiles such as have also left the company Ruoming Pang and Robby Walker, tied to foundational models and search functions. The internal reading is that if the new Siri doesn't convince, turnover in key AI positions could intensify.
What the new Siri promises
On paper, the update aims to make the assistant work as hands-free control of the iPhone, not only by answering questions, but also by executing contextual actions within apps and better understanding the user's personal information.
- Actions in apps: Perform tasks within supported apps using your voice, such as adding items to your shopping cart, sending a message, or starting music.
- Awareness of personal context: leverage proprietary data to offer tailored services, such as locating a podcast mentioned in a conversation in Messages.
The designated launch window is Spring 2026 with iOS 26.4Among the options being considered are a phased rollout, limiting features to certain devices or regions, or modulating the scope of new features to limit risks. If performance doesn't meet the bar, Apple could cut or postpone features to safeguard its product standards. The balance between ambition and reliability will be crucial between now and the release freeze.
With development entering its decisive stage, Performance doubts, architectural decisions, and the dance of talent paint a challenging picture: the success of the new Siri will depend on how well Apple completes these pieces in time for iOS 26.4 without compromising on quality.
