Apple is reportedly struggling with software issues that could delay its highly anticipated AI Siri upgrade. The new AI-powered Siri, which Apple has been promoting as a major advancement for its digital assistant, has encountered engineering challenges and software bugs, potentially postponing its rollout.
According to a Bloomberg News report, sources familiar with the situation have indicated that Apple engineers are still racing to complete the software. Some of the key features initially set for release in April 2025 may now be delayed until May 2025 or even later. Additionally, there is speculation that some of these features might be limited until the release of iOS 18.5, expected to arrive around the same time.
The Siri AI Upgrade: Apple’s Big AI Push
Apple first introduced plans for an AI-powered Siri at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2024. The update is a core part of Apple Intelligence, the company’s ambitious effort to integrate artificial intelligence into its ecosystem and establish a stronger presence in the AI-driven tech landscape.
The upgraded Siri is expected to offer:
- More natural and contextual conversations
- Better integration with Apple apps and third-party services
- Advanced personalization capabilities based on user habits
- Real-time shopping assistance and inventory tracking
- Enhanced privacy and security measures
However, despite Apple’s ambitious vision, the technical execution of these updates has proven challenging. The company is working to refine its AI models, address software stability issues, and ensure that Siri’s new features meet Apple’s strict privacy and security standards.
Also Read: How to Turn Off Apple Intelligence on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Software Bugs and Delays: What’s Holding Siri Back?
The Bloomberg report suggests that Apple’s engineers are facing multiple challenges, including:
1. AI Software Instability
One of the major roadblocks appears to be bugs in the AI software, which affect Siri’s ability to understand and respond to complex queries accurately. Apple is refining its machine learning algorithms to improve Siri’s speech recognition and contextual understanding, but the process has been slower than expected.
2. Challenges in Personalization
Apple aims to make Siri more intuitive by integrating on-device AI processing to personalize responses based on a user’s preferences and behaviors. However, ensuring this personalization without compromising privacy has proven complex.
3. Compatibility with iOS 18.5
The Siri upgrade is expected to be deeply integrated with iOS 18.5, but some features may not function optimally without additional system-level improvements. Apple is reportedly testing different builds to determine the best approach for deployment.
4. Issues with AI-Generated Content
Apple Intelligence has already faced backlash due to inaccurate AI-generated news summaries, leading Apple to remove the feature. Ensuring Siri’s AI-generated responses are reliable, unbiased, and informative is another key hurdle.
5. Expansion into International Markets
Apple is also working to bring AI-powered Siri to iPhones in China, but regulatory constraints and language processing challenges have added further complications. The company is reportedly in discussions with Alibaba to develop an AI system tailored to China’s data privacy laws and AI governance policies.
Also Read: Apple’s New Smart Home Hub with 7-Inch Screen Set to Rival Echo Show in 2025
How Siri’s AI Upgrade Could Transform Shopping and Retail
Once the AI-powered Siri is successfully launched, it could significantly change how users interact with their iPhones and Apple ecosystem, particularly in shopping and retail experiences.
According to AI marketing expert Kaveh Vahdat, Apple’s Siri upgrade is not just about making the digital assistant smarter; it is about revolutionizing the retail experience.
1. AI-Powered Shopping Assistant
The upgraded Siri is expected to act as a real-time shopping assistant, helping users find products, compare prices, and check store availability. Imagine asking Siri:
“Do any stores near me have the latest MacBook Pro in stock?”
With AI-driven responses, Siri could pull real-time inventory data from Apple Stores and partner retailers, providing instant availability updates.
2. Personalized Shopping Recommendations
Siri’s AI-driven personalization could allow it to suggest products based on a user’s past searches and preferences. If you often buy Apple accessories, Siri might remind you when a new Apple Watch band or MagSafe charger is released.
3. Enhanced Apple Pay Integration
Apple is exploring AI-powered Apple Pay enhancements that would enable Siri to assist users in managing their budgets and making secure, personalized payments.
For example, Siri might:
- Highlight items on a user’s wish list when they enter a store.
- Suggest discounts or payment plans based on past purchases.
- Offer a seamless checkout experience, letting users pay with a simple voice command.
4. AI-Driven Retail Navigation
Apple could integrate AI-based location tracking, allowing Siri to guide users through Apple Stores or third-party retailers. Instead of searching for a product manually, users could simply ask:
“Where can I find iPhone cases in this store?”
Siri would then provide real-time navigation within the store, making shopping more efficient.
Also Read: Apple’s Smart Home Security Product to Rival Google, Amazon
The Road Ahead for Apple’s AI Strategy
Despite the current delays and challenges, Apple remains committed to expanding its AI ecosystem. The Siri AI upgrade will play a crucial role in how Apple Intelligence evolves over the next few years.
Upcoming AI-Powered Features Apple is Working On:
- AI-powered email drafting
- Smart calendar scheduling
- Context-aware app suggestions
- More immersive augmented reality (AR) experiences using Vision Pro
- Deeper AI integration into Apple’s health and fitness services
While Apple has not yet provided an official launch date for the upgraded Siri, industry insiders expect that it will debut alongside iOS 18.5, likely in mid-2025.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s AI-powered Siri upgrade is one of the company’s most significant innovations, but software bugs and engineering setbacks have delayed its rollout. Despite these challenges, Apple remains focused on delivering an AI-powered experience that enhances shopping, payments, and everyday interactions while prioritizing privacy and personalization.
Also Read: iOS 19 Concept Reveals Lock Screen Stickers, ‘Flick’ Feature, and More
FAQs
1. What is the new Siri AI upgrade?
The Siri AI upgrade is an enhanced version of Apple’s digital assistant, incorporating advanced AI capabilities for improved personalization, contextual awareness, and retail integration.
2. Why is the Siri AI update delayed?
Apple is facing software bugs and engineering challenges, including AI instability, personalization issues, and compatibility concerns with iOS 18.5.
3. When will the new Siri update be released?
The update was originally planned for April 2025 but may now be delayed until at least May 2025, possibly launching with iOS 18.5.
4. How will Siri change the shopping experience?
Siri will offer real-time inventory tracking, personalized shopping suggestions, AI-powered checkout, and seamless retail navigation using AI.
5. Will the Siri update work with all iPhones?
The new Siri features will likely be exclusive to newer iPhones that support Apple Intelligence. Older models may not receive all AI enhancements.
6. How does Apple ensure AI privacy with Siri?
Apple focuses on on-device AI processing and end-to-end encryption to maintain strong privacy protections for Siri users.
7. Will Siri integrate with Apple Pay?
Yes, Siri is expected to introduce AI-driven Apple Pay features, helping users budget, track expenses, and make seamless payments.
8. What role does Alibaba play in Siri’s expansion?
Alibaba is helping Apple develop AI solutions for China, ensuring Siri’s AI capabilities comply with Chinese data laws.
9. Will Apple offer AI-powered features beyond Siri?
Yes, Apple is working on AI-powered email, smart scheduling, AR applications, and health integrations within its Apple Intelligence ecosystem.
10. How will Siri AI compare to ChatGPT and Google Assistant?
Apple aims to make Siri more personalized and privacy-focused while offering similar AI-driven assistance as ChatGPT and Google Assistant.