Some of Siri's long-awaited AI enhancements could reach users by January

Apple has been promising users a better Siri through its Apple Intelligence technology for a while. The hiccup is that most of the new artificial intelligence (AI) features are arriving in intervals -- spread out over the next several months. The major capabilities won't arrive until next March. But some could pop up as soon as January, at least according to Bloomberg reporter and Apple watcher Mark Gurman.

In its latest Apple-focused Power On newsletter, Gurman laid out a Siri AI timeline based on information that he's received.

Also: 6 AI features iPhone users can expect first on iOS 18 (and what's coming later)

Released a week ago, the current iOS 18 offers none of the new Apple Intelligence features nor any enhancements to Siri. Yes, that means most iPhone users will still bump into the same faults and foibles so common to Apple's voice assistant.

Next on the list is iOS 18.1, which is currently available as a public beta and officially due around mid-October. Here, we get our first dose of Apple Intelligence and a few changes to Siri. Activating Siri displays a glowing light instead of the old-fashioned orb. A new feature called Speak to Siri lets you switch between speaking and typing your requests.

Also: My biggest regret with upgrading my iPhone to iOS 18 (and I'm not alone)

With iOS 18.1, Siri tries to understand what you're saying even if you stumble over your words. Further, the voice assistant gains knowledge about Apple's products to help answer questions about your device.

Up next is iOS 18.2 with a due date of December and enhanced with several AI-based skills, Gurman said. The new Genmoji option will use AI to generate emoji based on a description of what you want. Apple will also integrate ChatGPT into the OS so you can ask OpenAI's AI for assistance. Also in the mix will be the Image Playground app to help you design your own animated, illustrated, and sketched images to use and share across Messages, Notes, and other apps.

Also: The best iOS 18 features that will make updating your iPhone worthwhile

That brings us to iOS 18.3, which Apple wants to finish by the end of a year for a release in January, according to Gurman's intel. After that will be iOS 18.4, set to be completed in early February for a rollout in March. Calling iOS 18.4 the biggest update after version 18.1, Gurman outlined that it will include many of the new Siri features. However, some are in consideration for iOS 18.3.

Gurman didn't specify which features are likely to land in iOS 18.3 or 18.4. Aside from the ones already mentioned, Siri is supposed to get onscreen awareness so it will be able to react to your questions and requests based on your current screen and information.

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However, I believe most Apple users are simply hoping for a more consistent and less frustrating Siri. Those of us who use Apple's voice assistant often run into obstacles where it fails to understand us, refuses to respond, gives the wrong information, or just seems completely clueless about what we are asking. If AI can make Siri more reliable and responsive, then I welcome its influence.

As Gurman points out, though, the staggered rollout of Apple Intelligence could try the patience of users. In the past, the company has delayed certain key features beyond the initial launch of a new OS. But stretching out Apple Intelligence and Siri improvements over the course of several months is a new and risky tactic, especially with Apple already promoting its AI technology as it tries to sell the iPhone 16.

Also: The iPhone 16 is the most-repairable iPhone yet, according to iFixit

Personally, I don't mind the wait so much if Apple can deliver on its promises. But that's the crux here. If we truly have a better and brighter Siri by next January or March, then the wait will have been worth it. But if all that time goes by, and Apple fails to deliver, then the company will face a lot of disgruntled and unhappy users.