Updated 11 February 2026 at 13:03 IST
iOS 26.4 Beta Signals Apple’s Long-Awaited AI Push With Smarter Siri on the Horizon
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Apple is finally preparing to show the world what its next-generation Siri can do, and the iOS 26.4 beta update could be the turning point. After years of speculation and delays, the company is expected to roll out a developer beta later this month, followed by a public beta in March, giving users their first hands-on experience with Apple’s AI-powered assistant.
The new Siri is designed to sound more natural and respond with greater context, moving away from the robotic tone that has long been a criticism. Apple has been working on this upgrade since 2024, but the full reveal never arrived with the iPhone 16 as many had anticipated. Now, the iOS 26.4 beta is being positioned as the first real showcase of Apple’s AI ambitions.
To use the updated Siri, you’ll need an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, since the assistant is tied to Apple’s Intelligence ecosystem. This requirement suggests the AI features demand more advanced hardware, and Apple is clearly aiming to make its latest devices the gateway to its AI future.
There’s also intrigue around Apple’s reported collaboration with Google. Some reports claim parts of Siri’s AI could be powered by Gemini technology running on Google servers, while Apple insists that its private cloud compute system will handle sensitive data to protect user privacy. This mix of cooperation and independence highlights Apple’s balancing act pushing forward with AI innovation while maintaining its reputation for security.
The timing is crucial. With ChatGPT and Google Gemini already shaping the AI landscape, Apple needs Siri to evolve quickly if it wants to remain competitive. A smarter, more conversational Siri could also strengthen Apple’s smart home ecosystem, where the assistant has struggled to keep pace with rivals.
If the iOS 26.4 beta delivers on expectations, it won’t just be another software update, it could mark the beginning of Apple’s biggest AI leap yet, setting the stage for how Siri will compete in a world increasingly defined by intelligent assistants and finally delivering on its long-standing promises.
Published By : Priya Pathak
Published On: 11 February 2026 at 13:03 IST