Following Apple’s decision to delay the launch of its artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, Siri, internal tensions within the company have reportedly intensified.
Apple recently issued a statement saying the upgraded Siri functionality would take longer than expected to provide and that the release is now anticipated for 2026.
Before Apple could officially introduce the new Siri, the market had high expectations that it would understand user context, support natural conversations, and enable precise control over applications. Some even speculated that the feature would be revealed in April’s upcoming iOS 18.4 software update.
However, the delay has led some analysts to suggest that Apple is struggling to secure enough graphics processing units (GPUs) for AI training. Also, reports indicate that the Siri department is experiencing talent departures due to leadership issues.
Amid these challenges, The Verge reported that it obtained details from an internal meeting of the Siri team led by Apple’s senior director, Robby Walker. The report suggests that Siri’s situation is more serious than initially perceived.
During the meeting, Walker described the delay in Siri’s development as an “ugly” situation and acknowledged the frustration among employees over the company’s decision.
He also informed employees that Apple aims to include the missing Siri features in iOS 19 later this year but admitted that success is not guaranteed.
Walker hinted at conflicts between the Siri development and marketing teams ahead of the anticipated launch.
He stated that the marketing team wanted Siri to be capable of understanding user context and executing tasks accordingly and pushed to highlight this feature in promotional materials, even though the feature was not yet fully ready.
He further expressed concerns that Apple’s teaser showcasing Siri’s capabilities at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024 had excessively raised customer expectations, worsening the situation.
Walker reassured employees that customers expect new features and a fully completed Siri. He emphasized that Apple is committed to releasing these features and additional improvements as soon as they are ready.
