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Apple Testers Flag Performance Issues With Revamped Siri in Early iOS 26.4 Builds

The feedback heightens uncertainty over Apple’s privacy‑first design with a launch targeted for spring 2026.

Overview

  • Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports some employees testing iOS 26.4 find the new Siri inconsistent and unreliable on basic tasks.
  • Apple is running an internal comparison between on‑device AI models and a cloud‑assisted approach using Google’s Gemini via Private Cloud Compute.
  • The Siri overhaul was postponed after failing internal quality standards, with Craig Federighi saying it required rearchitecture for a 2026 debut.
  • Ongoing turnover in Apple’s AI ranks, including departures from the Foundation Models and AKI groups, raises continuity and resourcing concerns.
  • With several months before the expected March–April window, Apple can still address issues, though further delays or a shift in approach remains possible.