ToolsSeptember 14, 2026via CNBC Technology
Apple releases test of redesigned Siri AI before iPhone 18 hits stores this week
Why it matters
Apple is shipping a meaningful Siri upgrade tied to its new iPhone cycle, signaling a competitive move in on-device AI assistants. Practitioners using Apple's ecosystem will need to understand the capability shift; enthusiasts tracking the AI consumer-product race will want to know what Apple actually built differently.
Key signals
- Redesigned Siri released as test/beta ahead of iPhone 18 launch
- Waitlist mechanism suggests phased rollout (capacity or QA gating)
- Timing: post-event (Sept 14, 2026) and pre-store availability (this week)
- iOS 27 version bump mentioned
- Positioned as upgrade, not minor refresh
The hook
Apple's redesigned Siri is finally rolling out — but only to waitlist users, and only weeks before iPhone 18 launch.
Following Apple's iPhone launch event last week, the company is releasing a redesigned Siri AI, though users may have to sign up for a waitlist.