Apple Delays Core Siri AI Features to iOS 26.5 or iOS 27 After Reliability Snags
Apple’s AI overhaul of Siri has suffered reliability snags, delaying key features from iOS 26.4 (March) to iOS 26.5 in May or iOS 27 and sparking a 5% stock decline. This delay comes despite Apple’s fiscal Q1 posting $143.8 billion revenue (+16% YoY) and $2.84 EPS (+19%).
1. Reliability Snags Delay Siri Overhaul
Apple’s internal tests uncovered reliability issues in its revamped Siri, forcing the company to push key AI features from the planned iOS 26.4 release in March to iOS 26.5 in May or later iOS 27. These features include enhanced personal context understanding and deeper app integrations that were central to Apple Intelligence’s debut.
2. Stock Decline Follows Delay
Apple shares fell roughly 5% after reports of the Siri delay surfaced, as investors had priced in a spring rollout of the upgraded assistant. The drop underscores market sensitivity to Apple’s ability to execute major software enhancements on schedule.
3. Robust Fiscal Q1 Performance
In fiscal Q1 (ended Dec. 27, 2025), Apple reported $143.8 billion in revenue (up 16% YoY) and $2.84 in EPS (up 19%), along with $54 billion in operating cash flow and $32 billion returned to shareholders. These strong fundamentals provide a financial cushion as Apple navigates the Siri setback.
4. Revised Siri Rollout Timeline and Risks
Apple maintains a 2026 target for its upgraded Siri but has not committed to a specific iOS release, raising the likelihood of staged feature deployments. Continued delays could train users to expect inconsistent performance and fuel “behind in AI” headlines if future deadlines are missed.