Siri’s Biggest Delay Isn’t AI — It’s True Hands-Free iPhone Control
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While most headlines focused on Apple’s delay of personal-data-powered Siri features, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the real loss is something far more transformative — an upgraded App Intents system that would finally make Siri a true hands-free iPhone controller.
Why This Matters
The enhanced App Intents would have allowed Siri to execute complex, multi-step tasks entirely by voice, no screen taps required. Think:
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Photo workflow: “Find my beach photos from last July, add a warm filter, and send the best one to Sarah.”
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Social media action: “Comment ‘Congratulations!’ on Alex’s latest Instagram post.”
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Shopping flow: “Search for blue running shoes on Amazon, filter by size 10, and add the cheapest pair to my cart.”
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Login shortcut: “Open my banking app and sign me in.”
This level of app control would have been a game changer for accessibility, multitasking, and Apple’s smart home ambitions.
The Hardware Ripple Effect
Gurman notes this feature is central to Apple’s future hardware plans — especially:
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A smart display (now delayed a year)
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A tabletop robot concept in development
Without robust voice app control, these products risk being less capable than Amazon Echo and Google Nest devices from five years ago.
The Challenges
Apple engineers are reportedly struggling with:
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Accuracy: Siri must consistently interpret complex commands without errors.
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Safety: Certain app categories (health, banking) demand near-perfect precision.
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Trust: Apple wants to avoid another “overpromise, underdeliver” moment.
As a safeguard, Apple may limit supported apps at launch or exclude sensitive ones entirely. Current testing includes: Uber, AllTrails, Threads, Temu, Amazon, YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, a few games, and Apple’s own apps.
Launch Timeline
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Target: Spring 2026
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Strategy: Heavy marketing push if successful
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Goal: Quietly deliver one of Siri’s biggest leaps — a feature that could change how users interact with their iPhones
