Apple's highly anticipated AI-powered Siri upgrade has hit another roadblock. During the company's recent fiscal Q2 earnings call, CEO Tim Cook addressed growing concerns about the delayed rollout of enhanced Siri features that were meant to be a centerpiece of the Apple Intelligence initiative.
Apple's Financial Performance Remains Strong Despite AI Delays
During Apple's fiscal Q2 earnings call, the company reported impressive financial results with revenue reaching $95.4 billion, representing a 5% increase compared to the same period last year. Despite these strong numbers, investors appeared more concerned about the company's AI strategy, with Apple's stock falling over 3% in after-hours trading following the announcement of continued delays to key Apple Intelligence features.
Apple Q2 2025 Financial Highlights
- Revenue: $95.4 billion (5% increase year-over-year)
- Stock performance: Fell over 3% in after-hours trading despite strong earnings
Current Apple Intelligence Features Available
- Genmoji
- Image Wand
- Clean Up
- Writing Tools
- ChatGPT integration
- Smart replies
- AI-powered photo search
Cook Acknowledges Siri Upgrade Taking Longer Than Expected
When questioned directly about the holdup of the more conversational and context-aware Siri that was previewed almost a year ago, Tim Cook was candid but light on specifics. With regard to the more personal Siri features we announced, we need more time to complete our work on these features so they meet our high-quality bar, Cook stated during the May 2025 call. When pressed further about the reasons behind the delay, he simply admitted, It's just taking a bit longer than we thought.
Quality Standards Cited as Primary Reason for Delay
Both Cook and CFO Kevan Parekh emphasized that Apple's commitment to quality was the driving factor behind the extended timeline. Rather than rushing out features that might not meet user expectations, the company has opted to continue development until the experience aligns with Apple's standards. Parekh also addressed concerns about resource allocation, stating, We don't underinvest in our business. We make significant investments in R&D. That continues to grow.
Current State of Apple Intelligence Features
While the enhanced Siri experience remains in development, Cook highlighted several Apple Intelligence features that have already been released with iOS 18. These include Genmoji, Image Wand, Clean Up, Writing Tools, ChatGPT integration, smart replies, and AI-powered photo search capabilities. These features have also been expanded to more regions and are now available in multiple languages, demonstrating Apple's ongoing commitment to its AI strategy despite the delays.
Timeline Remains Uncertain
This public acknowledgment marks the first time Apple has officially addressed the Siri delay since initially admitting in March that the rollout was behind schedule. While no specific release date has been provided, it appears that the major Siri upgrade will likely be pushed to iOS 19, potentially not arriving in its complete form until 2026. Cook only committed to delivering these features in the coming year, leaving the exact timeline uncertain.
Impact on iPhone 16 Marketing
The delay could potentially impact consumer perception of the iPhone 16 series, which was heavily marketed with Apple Intelligence as one of its key selling points. For many users, the enhanced Siri capabilities represented the most anticipated aspect of Apple's AI initiative, making the continued wait particularly disappointing for those who purchased new devices with these features in mind.