Apple Delays Siri Update to iOS 18.5, Promising Major Enhancements and ChatGPT Integration

Apple has postponed the highly anticipated Siri update to iOS 18.5, promising major enhancements and ChatGPT integration to elevate user experience.

Apple is set to release a new version of Siri with enhanced features from Apple Intelligence, originally announced at WWDC. These improvements were initially expected to debut with the iOS 18.4 update; however, due to software bugs, the rollout has now been postponed to iOS 18.5, anticipated to arrive in May. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that the delay stems from efforts to address these issues before the launch.

The upcoming iOS 18.5 update promises significant enhancements for Siri, including on-screen awareness that allows the assistant to engage with content directly displayed on devices. Additionally, Siri will integrate ChatGPT, offer deeper per-app controls, and provide support in China, expanding its usability for a global audience.

While iOS 18.4 introduced some minor improvements—such as a new food and recipes section in Apple News+, adjustments in Safari, and new language support for Apple Intelligence—these updates did not include the highly anticipated Siri enhancements. Gurman emphasized that iOS 18.5 will be the update where these features will finally be made available, highlighting the critical importance of this software update for Apple's virtual assistant's future capabilities and competitiveness.

The next version of Siri represents a pivotal moment for Apple, set to test the company's ability to innovate in the voice assistant space, nearly a year after its initial unveiling. As beta testing for iOS 18.5 is expected to commence soon, users and tech enthusiasts alike are eager to see whether these improvements will truly bolster Siri's performance and user experience.