Before iOS 18 has even fully rolled out its Apple Intelligence features, rumors about iOS 19 have already begun to circulate, especially regarding an exciting new iteration of Siri, dubbed LLM Siri. Powered by advanced large language models (LLMs), this version of Siri is expected to deliver a far smarter and more conversational experience, aiming to rival top AI systems like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. While this transformation sounds revolutionary, users won’t experience it until the spring of 2026, with industry expert Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reporting that several Apple Intelligence features tied to iOS 19 have been delayed. These updates are now expected to be unveiled during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2025.
This delay is not necessarily unexpected, as Apple has historically taken a more cautious and deliberate approach with the integration of artificial intelligence into its ecosystem. While the company has ambitious plans for its AI features, including LLM Siri, it is clear that Apple is aiming to take its time to ensure the final product is both polished and highly functional. This slower pace stands in contrast to the rapid advancements seen by competitors like OpenAI and Google, who have already rolled out highly sophisticated AI models, putting pressure on Apple to catch up.
LLM Siri: The Next Generation of Apple’s Digital Assistant
Apple’s most significant AI-related overhaul, LLM Siri, is expected to mark a pivotal shift in the evolution of Siri as an intelligent assistant. Currently, Siri is often seen as limited and mechanical, only capable of answering basic queries or executing simple commands. However, LLM Siri will be able to engage in ongoing, more nuanced conversations, offering a far more natural and human-like interaction. This marks a significant leap toward Apple's goal of making Siri capable of understanding complex, context-based interactions, something that Siri currently struggles with.
Powered by large language models, LLM Siri will also be able to handle more intricate tasks, from answering in-depth questions to executing actions that currently require third-party services like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. In essence, Siri will no longer just be a voice command assistant but will become a sophisticated conversationalist capable of managing tasks that involve multiple steps and interactions, making it a more indispensable tool for users.
Currently, Siri is limited by a set of predefined responses and commands. The shift to LLM Siri means the assistant will be able to comprehend and respond more flexibly, using context from previous exchanges to offer more accurate and relevant information. Whether users ask follow-up questions or request multi-layered tasks, Siri will be better equipped to handle them.
In the meantime, iOS 18.2 will integrate ChatGPT into Siri, allowing users to benefit from a broader range of AI functionalities. While this integration provides a glimpse of the direction Apple is headed, LLM Siri is expected to take things much further by embedding more advanced AI capabilities directly into Siri’s infrastructure. However, users won’t experience this fully functional assistant until LLM Siri arrives in 2026.
The Delay in iOS 19 and Other Features
Aside from the revamped Siri, other exciting features expected in iOS 19 have also been delayed. According to Gurman, these additional features, which were initially slated for iOS 19, are now expected to be rolled out with iOS 19.4 in the spring of 2026. Although the specifics of these delayed features have not been disclosed, Apple’s ongoing strategy of slow and steady innovation suggests that it wants to ensure everything is refined before launching. The company has historically avoided rushing products to market, especially when it comes to complex systems like AI, where precision and quality are paramount.
Despite the setback in iOS 19, iOS 18.2 will still make important advancements in integrating AI, including ChatGPT capabilities. This update marks the first phase of Apple’s push to integrate conversational AI more deeply into its ecosystem. While these updates won’t offer the same conversational depth as LLM Siri, they are an important step forward in terms of creating a more versatile Siri that can handle more complex queries and tasks.
Later updates, such as iOS 18.4, will continue to refine Siri’s abilities, adding new features like deeper app-specific controls, on-screen awareness, and more personalized responses. However, even with these enhancements, Siri will still not achieve the level of conversational AI found in models like ChatGPT. Apple’s goal is to gradually elevate Siri’s capabilities, laying the groundwork for the advanced LLM Siri experience that will eventually replace third-party AI systems for users seeking more complex, human-like interactions.
The Road Ahead for Siri and AI on iOS
Once LLM Siri is fully deployed, iPhone users will be able to rely on Siri for more sophisticated tasks, reducing their dependency on external services like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini for advanced AI interactions. Apple’s long-term ambition is to create an AI experience that seamlessly integrates into users’ daily lives, handling everything from answering questions to managing tasks that span across different apps and services. This transformation will mark the culmination of Apple’s push to make Siri a truly intelligent assistant, capable of interacting with users in a far more personalized and context-aware way than ever before.
In the meantime, as the rollout of LLM Siri is still years away, users will continue to use third-party AI systems for more advanced capabilities. Although this may seem like a short-term disadvantage for Apple, the company’s strategy of gradual, deliberate development means that when LLM Siri does arrive, it will be a product that exceeds user expectations. Apple’s long-term vision for LLM Siri is not just to create a conversational assistant but to bring Siri into the realm of true artificial intelligence, where it becomes an integral part of every aspect of a user’s digital life.
As the AI race continues, Apple’s approach may be slower than its competitors, but it’s clear that the company’s ultimate goal is to build a better, more reliable AI experience for users. The eventual release of LLM Siri will represent a major leap forward for Apple, cementing Siri as one of the most advanced digital assistants in the world. Until then, users can expect ongoing improvements and refinements to Siri’s capabilities, as Apple works to bring its vision of a fully integrated, intelligent assistant to life.
