The next iOS update will give Siri five new capabilities.

This isn't the most amazing update for Siri as we all look ahead to iOS 26.4 coming this spring.

When Apple introduced Siri with the iPhone 4s on October 4, 2011, it was considered innovative. Since then, its reputation has declined due to competition from Google Assistant and Alexa. The availability of AI through dedicated apps on iOS and Android devices also affected Siri's popularity.

Apple's "Personal Siri" feature was expected to be released with Apple Intelligence. It was designed to access a user's email, calendar, texts, photos, and other apps to answer questions. An ad showed a girl trying to recall the name of someone she met.

In the ad, "Personal Siri" found that the person's name was Zach Wingate. However, the ad was removed because of development issues, and the feature is now expected with iOS 26.4 this spring. Google has been progressing by replacing Google Assistant with its Gemini AI chatbot.

The Magic Cue feature that Google launched with the Pixel 10 series makes devices more proactive. This is an appealing feature for phone enthusiasts.

Apple released iOS 26 and a guide to the update, which includes five new Siri features. One feature allows users to have ChatGPT create files. Users can ask ChatGPT to make a document and save it to Files or their preferred app using the ShareSheet.

When ChatGPT answers a query that was initially asked of Siri, ChatGPT can take action based on the response. For example, if you ask Siri for karaoke songs and then switch to ChatGPT, you can then tell ChatGPT to "Play the third one."

A previous issue with Siri was its inability to accurately answer questions about specific iPhone models. With iOS 26, Siri can use on-screen and on-device context to identify the iPhone model, iOS version, and enabled or disabled settings. Rich formatting from ChatGPT, like bold text and images, will also appear when pasted.

With iOS 26, AirPlay music on a HomePod can be played on other HomePod speakers using Siri. Many HomePod owners have multiple devices in their homes.

Those hoping for a smarter, more feature-rich Siri may be disappointed, as significant improvements may not arrive until iOS 26.4 with "Personal Siri." There is also speculation that Apple may allow the iPhone to use Gemini, potentially making the iPhone more proactive.

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**TRADE-IN**

iPhone 17: pre-order for $0.00/mo. at AT&T

$0 /mo

$23 06

$23 off (100%)

The iPhone 17 has an improved design, better battery life, and strong performance. It is available for pre-order for $0.00/mo. with an eligible iPhone trade-in and qualifying plan.

Pre-order at AT&T

iPhone 17: pre-order for $0.00/mo. at AT&T

$0 /mo

$23 06

$23 off (100%)

The iPhone 17 has an improved design, better battery life, and strong performance. It is available for pre-order for $0.00/mo. with an eligible iPhone trade-in and qualifying plan.

Pre-order at AT&T

The iPhone 17 has an improved design, better battery life, and strong performance. It is available for pre-order for $0.00/mo. with an eligible iPhone trade-in and qualifying plan.

**TRADE-IN**

iPhone Air: pre-order for $4.73/mo. at AT&T

$4 73 /mo

$27 78

$23 off (83%)

The iPhone Air is available for pre-order at AT&T for $4.73/mo. with an eligible iPhone trade-in and plan. Shipping begins September 19.

Pre-order at AT&T

iPhone Air: pre-order for $4.73/mo. at AT&T

$4 73 /mo

$27 78

$23 off (83%)

The iPhone Air is available for pre-order at AT&T for $4.73/mo. with an eligible iPhone trade-in and plan. Shipping begins September 19.

Pre-order at AT&T

The iPhone Air is available for pre-order at AT&T for $4.73/mo. with an eligible iPhone trade-in and plan. Shipping begins September 19.

**TRADE-IN**

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Pre-order at AT&T

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Pre-order at AT&T

**TRADE-IN**

iPhone 17 Pro: pre-order for as low as $0.00/mo.

$0 /mo

$30 56

$31 off (100%)

The iPhone 17 Pro is available for pre-order with an upgraded design for as low as $0.00/mo. at AT&T with an eligible iPhone trade-in and plan. The offer is available for new and existing customers.

Pre-order at AT&T

iPhone 17 Pro: pre-order for as low as $0.00/mo.

$0 /mo

$30 56

$31 off (100%)

The iPhone 17 Pro is available for pre-order with an upgraded design for as low as $0.00/mo. at AT&T with an eligible iPhone trade-in and plan. The offer is available for new and existing customers.

Pre-order at AT&T

The iPhone 17 Pro is available for pre-order with an upgraded design for as low as $0.00/mo. at AT&T with an eligible iPhone trade-in and plan. The offer is available for new and existing customers.

**TRADE-IN**

iPhone 17 Pro Max: pre-order for $2.78/mo.

$2 78 /mo

$33 34

$31 off (92%)

Trade in an eligible iPhone and set up a new line on a qualifying AT&T plan or upgrade your current plan to get the iPhone 17 Pro Max for $2.78/mo., saving up to $1,100 after 36 monthly bill credits.

Pre-order at AT&T

iPhone 17 Pro Max: pre-order for $2.78/mo.

$2 78 /mo

$33 34

$31 off (92%)

Trade in an eligible iPhone and set up a new line on a qualifying AT&T plan or upgrade your current plan to get the iPhone 17 Pro Max for $2.78/mo., saving up to $1,100 after 36 monthly bill credits.

Pre-order at AT&T

Trade in an eligible iPhone and set up a new line on a qualifying AT&T plan or upgrade your current plan to get the iPhone 17 Pro Max for $2.78/mo., saving up to $1,100 after 36 monthly bill credits.

Although I have almost every AI app on my iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pixel 6 Pro, Gemini on the Pixel makes me consider using the Pixel as my primary phone.

"Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips" is a coffee table book that relives the tech revolution of the 21st century and will be released in a few months.