Apple debuted Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2024, promising to turn Siri into a much more capable contextual assistant. But as 2025 draws to a close, these key features are still nowhere to be seen. The new contextual Siri is one of Apple Intelligence's most anticipated features, and it's yet to be released.
Now Macworld has found new evidence that the long-awaited updated version of Siri is due to arrive next spring. Apple's internal code from a leaked build of iOS 26 seen by Macworld references components directly related to the updated Siri interface, confirming that development is ongoing and moving forward.
According to the code, Apple has long been targeting spring 2026, which would likely coincide with the release of iOS 26.4, as the window for rolling out the contextual version of Siri was promised nearly two years ago.
HomePad is finally here
The updated Siri is expected to behave very differently from the assistant we know today. Instead of relying solely on predefined voice commands, the new Siri will reportedly be able to understand what the user is doing on their device. This includes things like what's displayed on the screen and what apps are open.
Interestingly, the leaked iOS 26 code also indicates something else: the new Siri will not be exclusive to iPhone, iPad and Mac. Macworld has uncovered links indicating Apple is bringing the new Siri interface to at least one smart home device, with the long-rumored HomePad being the most likely candidate.
According to references in the code, users should be able to have natural conversations with Siri and even access features like contextual reminders directly from Apple's new smart home hub. This is consistent with our previous report o HomePad (codenamed J490) with an A18 chip inside, capable of using Apple Intelligence features.
Of course, since this information is based on internal code from an early build of iOS 26, Apple's plans could still change.
The company is currently preparing to release iOS 26.2 public in the coming days. While the update doesn't bring any new Apple Intelligence features, it does bring some improvements, such as a new slider for customizing Liquid Glass on the lock screen and automatic chapters in the Podcasts app.
