Apple delays AI Siri features as iOS 19 redesign and foldable iPhone plans advance

Apple‘s ambitious AI plans for Siri have hit a significant roadblock with the indefinite delay of new features, while rumors point to sweeping design changes coming to iOS 19 and a potential foldable iPhone launch in 2026. These developments signal Apple’s struggle to keep pace in the competitive AI landscape, highlighting the challenges the company faces in delivering on its promised Apple Intelligence ecosystem while simultaneously pursuing hardware innovation to maintain market leadership.

The big picture: Apple has officially delayed its “more personalized” version of Siri indefinitely, creating uncertainty around the company’s AI strategy.

• This setback follows a string of related issues, including Apple pulling an iPhone 16 advertisement due to an Apple Intelligence mishap.
• The company has added a new disclaimer to its website regarding the delayed AI Siri features, acknowledging the extended timeline.

Key details: Bloomberg reports Apple might have to scrap its new Siri AI features completely and start over.

• The delay affects not just Siri but appears to impact Apple’s broader smart home strategy as well.
• According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the “HomePad” smart home hub has been pushed back beyond WWDC to ensure consistency with iOS 19’s design language.
• Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman corroborates this, reporting that Apple’s smart home hub has been “postponed,” though employees are participating in at-home testing.

Reading between the lines: The Siri setback suggests Apple may be falling behind competitors in the AI race despite its significant resources.

• The multiple delays across Apple’s AI ecosystem point to deeper technical challenges than initially communicated to the public.
• These issues come at a critical time when consumer expectations for AI integration are rapidly increasing.

Meanwhile: Apple is reportedly preparing its most significant iOS redesign since iOS 7 was introduced in 2013.

• iOS 19 is expected to bring an all-new design to iPhones, potentially refreshing the user experience that has remained relatively consistent for nearly a decade.
• The timing of this redesign alongside AI setbacks suggests Apple may be pivoting to focus on areas where it can still deliver innovation.

Looking ahead: Apple’s first foldable iPhone is rumored to arrive in 2026 with several distinctive features and limitations.

• The device may feature a crease-free display, addressing a common complaint about competitors’ foldable phones.
• However, reports indicate it might lack Face ID and could cost more than $2,000, positioning it as an ultra-premium device.
• Gurman also mentions “another new iPhone design” coming in 2026, suggesting Apple is exploring multiple form factor innovations simultaneously.