Apple is preparing a critically important overhaul of its iOS operating system with version 26.4, slated for release this spring. The update centers on a much-anticipated refresh of Siri, powered by Google’s Gemini AI model, after delays pushed back initial plans for a revamped virtual assistant. While a firm release date remains unconfirmed, reports indicate a likely debut alongside a host of new features-including 11 new emojis-and potential compatibility limitations for older iPhone models.
Apple users are anticipating a significant update to iOS with the upcoming release of version 26.4, currently in beta testing. While a stable version is still some time away, this update is being hailed as a pivotal moment for the tech giant’s artificial intelligence capabilities. The arrival of a truly intelligent assistant has been a long-awaited goal for Apple and its user base.
The anticipation stems from the unveiling of Apple Intelligence at WWDC24 nearly two years ago. Among its features, a revamped Siri stood out as a major improvement. Promised for 2025, the updated assistant ultimately didn’t arrive with iOS 18.
Following challenges in AI development, and subsequent organizational shifts and internal discussions, Apple has found a key partner to realize its vision for a more powerful Siri. The first major deployment of this collaboration is expected with iOS 26.4. This partnership underscores the increasing reliance on external expertise in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Hello, New Siri
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Even Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that, following the delay, the new Siri would arrive in 2026. While an exact date and the specific iOS version remain unconfirmed, sources like Mark Gurman point to iOS 26.4 as the likely release point.
This new Siri will be powered by the same models that drive Gemini. Google recently confirmed this partnership, in which Apple will maintain control of user data while leveraging Google’s expertise to power Apple Intelligence, including Siri.
Of course, waiting for the release is necessary to fully assess the new features, and to discover any unannounced functionalities. For now, the “depth” of Siri, as initially announced in 2024, is guaranteed.
Siri will be able to understand and act on contextual information from your apps. A prime example is asking, “What time does my mother’s flight arrive, and what time should I leave to pick her up and make it to dinner?” Siri will then be able to find flight details (for example, from a message), locate the restaurant address from your calendar, and provide departure timing.
This deep integration will initially be available across all native Apple apps, with the possibility for third-party apps to integrate as well. It will also bring a host of other previously unseen features.
The downside is that, even with Gemini integration, the new Siri will not work on all iPhones. Even if updated to iOS 26.4, a iPhone 15 Pro or later model will be required, maintaining the same compatibility as other Apple Intelligence features.
New Emojis Long Awaited
Alongside the Siri update, iOS 26.4 will include 11 new emojis first announced a year ago. It’s common for these to be announced well in advance, as recently happened with those coming in iOS 27. But focusing on the near future, here’s what to expect:
- Squashed face.
- Wrestling cloud
- Two dark-skinned men wrestling.
- Two dark-skinned ballerinas with bunny ears.
- Dark-skinned ballerina.
- Bitten apple.
- Orca.
- Hairy creature (Big Foot).
- Trombone.
- Rockfall.
- Treasure chest.
Interestingly, there are two nods to Apple. The bitten apple is the most obvious, though it doesn’t quite resemble the company’s actual logo. The other is more subtle and refers to the squashed face, which is reminiscent of the one featured in that controversial Apple ad for the iPad Pro M4.
More Novelties Likely
With each update, a few additional features emerge that, however small, ultimately prove relevant. While the new Siri and emojis are the most anticipated additions to iOS 26.4, it’s almost certain that there will be other changes not yet announced.
We’ll have to wait for the first beta release to verify this, and it’s also likely that not everything will be added in the first beta. These beta versions are known for refining details and adding more features as they progress.
April: The Deadline for iOS 26.4
There isn’t a strict internal rule at Apple dictating a firm schedule, but based on past behavior, we can reasonably expect this roadmap:
- Mid-February: First beta release for developers of iOS 26.4.
- Mid/late February: First public beta of iOS 26.4 (often released just hours after the developer beta).
- Mid-February to late March/early April: New beta versions released every two weeks.
- Late March/early April: Stable release of iOS 26.4 to the public.
Considering that iOS 18.4 launched on March 31st, and given that iOS 26.3 (iOS 18.3 was released exactly a year ago), and is still in its third beta, April appears to be the most likely month for the stable release.
Therefore, we anticipate April as the most probable month to fully experience the new Siri. Unless, of course, you’re among those who install the beta on their iPhone, in which case you have just a few weeks to wait.
One More Thing: The New New Siri
Image concept by Ben Geskin
If the new features coming with Siri in the coming months seem insufficient, there’s good news: a “new new Siri” has been leaked. And no, we haven’t made a mistake writing “new” twice. Literally, that’s how it was leaked.
It is possible that Apple will announce it at WWDC26, which will be held in June
Mark Gurman detailed last week that Apple intends to bring what would be “the ChatGPT of Apple”. A chatbot about which little is known, and even whether it will have its own app or be paid, but which will try to compete with ChatGPT, Perplexity and even Gemini. And this is striking considering that, like the “first” new Siri, it will be powered by Google.
However, this won’t happen in the short term. Gurman said that it is expected for the fall, so it will probably be part of an update to iOS 27. So there will be time to learn, talk and analyze what that chatbot brings.
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