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iOS 26.4 Beta Launches Without Apple Intelligence Siri Features

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The first beta of iOS 26.4 is available to developers and public beta testers, and the software includes no new Siri features. There were expectations of at least some new Apple Intelligence Siri capabilities because of how long the delays have been and persistent rumors suggesting Apple was targeting an iOS 26.4 release, but we'll have to wait longer for Siri updates.

Sad-Siri-Feature.jpg

After Apple announced a delay for the Apple Intelligence version of Siri in March 2025, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple had set an internal launch target for iOS 26.4. He repeated the iOS 26.4 timeline in several subsequent reports, and even at the end of January, he suggested that Apple would unveil the more personalized version of Siri in February.

Apple seemed to be aiming for an iOS 26.4 launch until right before the first beta came out, because just last week, Gurman said the Siri update wouldn't be coming in iOS 26.4 after all. Apple apparently ran into development issues and the new version of Siri has reportedly been delayed until iOS 26.5 or iOS 27.

Gurman said the Siri features will be spread across several upcoming iOS releases. Some or all of the new Siri features could be introduced in iOS 26.5, or Apple might wait for iOS 27, which will be previewed in June 2026 at WWDC.

Apple first showed off the Apple Intelligence version of Siri at the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference, and it was supposed to come in iOS 18. Apple had to upgrade Siri's architecture to make the promised functionality work, and so far, that's taken over a year.

Siri is apparently taking too long to respond to requests, and some queries aren't processed properly, which is what led to the iOS 26.4 Siri delay. Engineers are apparently using iOS 26.5 for further Siri testing right now, so some functionality could come in that update. There's still a possibility that new Siri features will be introduced in a later iOS 26.4 beta, but that's not guaranteed.

Apple has been working to add personalization, onscreen awareness, and the ability for Siri to do more in and between apps. Not all of the features are working reliably and Apple is said to be having continual issues with accuracy.

After the report about the missed iOS 26.4 timeline, Apple confirmed to CNBC that the new version of Siri would still be coming at some point in 2026. Apple has never given a timeline more specific than 2026, so there hasn't been a second actual delay, just a disappointment based on rumors of an iOS 26.4 launch.

Since it's only February, Apple has until December to meet the 2026 launch target that it publicly promised. Even if the new Siri features are delayed until iOS 27, Apple will still meet its goal. Gurman claims that Apple executives are reluctant to push the new Siri's debut beyond spring 2026, so an iOS 26 launch could still happen.

Article Link: iOS 26.4 Beta Launches Without Apple Intelligence Siri Features
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/17/ios-26-4-no-new-siri-features/
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There is at least a reference to new Siri functions. When I tried changing my Siri language because Apple Intelligence was not working I got this message in Dutch saying "Voice control and personal content/context will no longer be available.". I think stembedienig is refering to "Hey Siri" and "Persoonlijke inhoud" is refering to Personal Context. When I try changing Siri language on my iPad Pro on 26.3 I don't get this message.
 

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MacUserFella said:
Don’t worry! Maybe they’ll be in the next update! Or the one after that, or the one after that… or the one after that
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There might be a chance they introduce new Apple Intelligence integration over the coming .4 betas, but personally I always felt it was silly to worry about any single rumor of these features.
Now with the entire Gemini situation the whole timeline is messed up anyway.
 
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k1121j said:
Does any of this have anything to do with my Siri acting super strange last three weeks it’s worse then normal. “Siri turn off the kitchen lights” Siri” what was that pause the Apple TV in bedroom1” 😡
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No worse than normal -- "Siri...who's the Speaker of the House?"...Siri responds, "I can't find any speakers in the house". If it wasn't so pathetic, it'd actually be funny.
 
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I mean Apple is in a bind here. You can thank Joz and his "crack" team in Marketing for pushing out ads showing this feature working for a phone that is now over a year and a half old.

Now it could legit be May before the feature is released. May 2026 btw, when they promised 2025.

Here's a good rule of thumb: don't announce unfinished products. Hello, AirPower.
 
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Apple apparently ran into development issues and the new version of Siri has reportedly been delayed until iOS 26.5 or iOS 27
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Having problems with your 2nd generation architecture, Mr. Federighi?


Federighi admitted that the first-generation architecture that Apple was developing for the personalized Siri features was too limited, which prevented the features from reaching the company's high quality standards. By spring 2025, Apple decided that it needed to fully shift Siri to a second-generation architecture that it had been planning, in order for the personalized features to reach a quality level that meets customer expectations. That decision led Apple to delay the features for up to another year.

Even with the second-generation architecture, Federighi said that Apple is still working to perfect the Siri features. In the interview, Apple's marketing chief Greg Joswiak confirmed that the "coming year" refers to 2026, so it is likely that the company is currently planning to launch the features as part of iOS 26.4 next spring.
 
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Hemmik said:
There is at least a reference to new Siri functions. When I tried changing my Siri language because Apple Intelligence was not working I got this message in Dutch saying "Voice control and personal content/context will no longer be available.". I think stembedienig is refering to "Hey Siri" and "Persoonlijke inhoud" is refering to Personal Context. When I try changing Siri language on my iPad Pro on 26.3 I don't get this message.
Click to expand...
That’s usually the sign something is brewing. Thanks for sharing that.
 
TigerNike23 said:
I mean Apple is in a bind here. You can thank Joz and his "crack" team in Marketing for pushing out ads showing this feature working for a phone that is now over a year and a half old.

Now it could legit be May before the feature is released. May 2026 btw, when they promised 2025.

Here's a good rule of thumb: don't announce unfinished products. Hello, AirPower.
Click to expand...
It will be in when it’s in. I’m a patient person. May even buy two new iPhones.

I suspect many of apples customers want an improved Siri but won’t be hyperbolic about it.
 
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