Siri Upgrade Testing Lags; iOS 26.4 and Beyond Delays Loom (AAPL-US)

Apple's Siri virtual assistant upgrade is facing setbacks in testing, with multiple anticipated features likely delayed. Originally scheduled for release in iOS 26.4 in March, the company is now considering a staggered rollout, potentially pushing some functions to iOS 26.5 in May or iOS 27 in September. Internal testing uncovered issues, including Siri's occasional inability to process queries correctly and slower response times. The latest delay follows an initial pushback from the 2026 timeline, with the March 2026 window previously tentatively maintained. The uncertainty comes as Apple's shares pared gains on Wednesday, closing at $275.50, up 0.7% after an earlier 2.4% rally.