Apple is expected to roll out the iOS 26.4 beta later this month. Recent updates may focus on AI-driven refinements, performance enhancements, and system stability ahead of a wider release. The company’s biggest AI-related move, Apple’s Siri, is expected to be more conversational and capable of completing multi-step tasks.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple plans to release the first developer beta of iOS 26.4 on February 23. If that happens, a public beta should follow shortly after, either later this month or in early March. New Siri features were first announced at WWDC 2024 and were originally expected to arrive during the iOS 18 update cycle. However, Apple later delayed them multiple times.
Following Apple’s usual release cycle, the final version should reach all users toward the end of March.
The updated Siri in iOS 26.4 is expected to be much smarter and more helpful. One major addition could be ‘Personal Context,’ allowing Siri to search your personal information, such as messages, emails, and notes. Users could ask Siri to find details from a past conversation or a note they saved weeks ago.
On-screen awareness could enable Siri to understand what is currently displayed on the device and act accordingly. The in-app and cross-app actions could aim to give consumers more control over applications through voice commands, allowing you to perform complex tasks without manually navigating menus.
iOS 26.4 is also expected to bring a fresh set of emojis. New additions may include an apple core, a fight cloud, a treasure chest, and more.
Bloomberg reported that Apple’s broader software strategy remains cautious this year. He wrote that WWDC will be “a fairly muted affair, with Apple focusing more on stability and performance than sweeping changes.”
Also Read: Why Apple Turned to Google to Accelerate Its Next AI Revolution
Apple is not a company that rushes into adopting new technologies. It takes time to refine and deliver polished user experiences. The brand is now facing heavy challenges to compete against rapid innovation and advances in AI from companies like Microsoft and OpenAI.
Apple’s partnership with Google Gemini signals a shift in its AI strategy toward prioritizing speed and capability. The iPhone maker faced massive criticism for delaying Siri upgrades. However, the company’s core businesses have remained strong, and the focus now is on one simple outcome: a Siri that feels modern.
If Siri delivers those expectations, Apple can quickly turn all the ongoing criticism into praise.