Apple is preparing to roll out iOS 26.4, a key software update that will finally bring the long-promised AI enhancements to Siri, nearly 20 months after the features were first announced at the company’s developer conference.

According to people familiar with Apple’s plans, the first developer beta of iOS 26.4 is expected to be released in the week of February 23, while a public beta could follow in March. The final version is likely to be rolled out to users by late March or early April.

Siri set for major intelligence overhaul

The upcoming update focuses on significantly improving Siri’s ability to understand and respond to user requests. With iOS 26.4, Siri will gain access to personal context, allowing it to locate information stored in messages, emails, and notes. The assistant will also be able to recognise what is displayed on the screen and take action accordingly.

Apple is also enabling deeper app-level control, allowing users to perform more complex tasks across apps using voice commands, aimed at improving Siri’s everyday usability.

Google Gemini powers Apple’s AI push

One of the most notable aspects of the update is Apple’s decision to rely on Google’s Gemini AI models to power the new Siri features. The move comes after internal delays reportedly slowed Apple’s own AI development, prompting the company to integrate external models to speed up the rollout.

The AI upgrade was initially expected to arrive earlier, but was pushed back as Apple reworked its internal AI strategy.

More updates and what lies ahead

Apart from Siri enhancements, iOS 26.4 is expected to include new emojis and other system refinements. However, this update represents only the first phase of Apple’s AI roadmap. Sources suggest that Apple is already working on a more advanced, conversational version of Siri, expected to debut with iOS 27 later this year.

With iOS 26.4, Apple is looking to strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving AI assistant space as competition from rivals continues to intensify.