Apple promised a smarter Siri at WWDC 2024 with its Apple Intelligence initiative, positioning the personal assistant for a significant leap in iOS 26.
Yet the iOS 26.5 beta, released to developers today, shows no sign of the AI features users were expecting.
Developers opening the beta report no improvements in comprehension, no expanded AI functionality, essentially the same Siri users have relied on for years.
Sources familiar with Apple’s internal testing suggest the features are complete but are being held back due to reliability and accuracy concerns.
Recent reports have confirmed that iOS 27, expected at WWDC 2026, will deliver the full Apple Intelligence Siri experience, including a standalone Siri chatbot app designed to compete with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.
For users, this means waiting longer than initially projected, despite Apple’s earlier guidance targeting a 2025 launch.
The delay highlights the tension between Apple’s cautious approach and the fast-moving AI landscape. Competitors are already shipping advanced chatbot experiences, while Apple continues to prioritize controlled testing and incremental rollout.
For developers, the lack of new features in the beta may be frustrating, but it also reflects the company’s focus on ensuring reliability before public release.
Historically, Siri updates have arrived in measured steps, and Apple’s decision to postpone broader access fits that pattern.
Also: Apple is finally bringing a long-missing upgrade to the iMac years after rivals made it standard
With WWDC 2026 approaching, the company faces a critical moment to show whether it can finally deliver a robust, AI-driven assistant that meets expectations set nearly two years ago.
Can Apple maintain its competitive edge while moving deliberately? For now, both users and developers will have to wait.
Apple says Siri is still on track for 2026, but today’s beta makes it clear they’re still struggling to get the basics right while trying to keep up with the competition.
