Apple Delays Siri Features Until 2026 Due to Technical Issues

Apple is facing significant delays in launching new AI-powered features for Siri, with Senior Director Robby Walker describing the situation as 'ugly and embarrassing' during an all-hands meeting. Originally slated for release alongside iOS 19, the features have been postponed to at least 2026 due to persistent reliability issues, as they only function correctly 66% to 80% of the time. This delay has generated considerable negative press and criticism, particularly regarding Apple's decision to promote these features prematurely. Walker acknowledged the toll the delays have taken on employees and emphasized that shipping an incomplete product is not an option, even as competitors continue to advance in AI. Despite the setbacks, Apple remains committed to improving Siri, with plans to enhance its capabilities in understanding personal context and controlling apps. However, there are concerns about whether Apple can effectively catch up to rival technologies in this fast-evolving landscape.