The latest iOS 18.4 update should have marked a step forward for Siri, giving users a smarter, more intuitive experience. Instead, many iPhone owners are facing a frustrating reality—Siri feels slower, less reliable, and prone to more mistakes than before. This decline in performance has sparked widespread discussions online, with users venting their frustrations and looking for solutions.
Across social media platforms and tech forums, complaints about Siri’s lackluster response times and inaccurate answers have been steadily growing. Some users report that Siri now struggles with commands it previously handled with ease, such as setting reminders, reading calendar events, or providing weather updates. Others have shared examples of Siri misunderstanding basic requests, leading to nonsensical or irrelevant responses.
One of the most consistent issues being reported is the noticeable slowdown in Siri’s response time. Many users have observed that Siri now takes an extra second or two to process commands, sometimes leading to an awkward pause before delivering an answer. For a voice assistant designed to improve efficiency, this delay can be particularly frustrating—especially for those who rely on Siri for hands-free assistance while multitasking.
In addition to sluggish performance, accuracy has also taken a hit. There have been multiple cases of Siri misinterpreting requests, providing incorrect information, or even failing to execute simple tasks. A user on Reddit shared their experience of asking Siri to “set a timer for 10 minutes,” only to have the assistant randomly set a timer for hours instead. Another reported that when asking Siri to read their calendar for the day, the assistant bizarrely replied with an event summary spanning the next month, rather than focusing on that specific day.
For long-time Siri users, these unexpected glitches are particularly disappointing. Many remember a time when Siri was a dependable digital companion, assisting with daily tasks seamlessly. Now, instead of feeling enhanced by Apple’s AI-driven improvements, users feel like they’re struggling with a more unreliable version of the voice assistant.
It’s not uncommon for new software updates to introduce temporary hiccups, but what makes this situation especially frustrating is the expectation that Siri would be improving significantly in iOS 18.4. Apple had promised major enhancements to Siri as part of its push toward Apple Intelligence, including better contextual awareness, improved conversation tracking, and even integration with ChatGPT for more complex queries. However, instead of seeing tangible benefits, users feel like Siri has taken a step backward.
The disappointment extends beyond just everyday users—tech analysts and Apple enthusiasts have also taken note of Siri’s worsening performance. Some speculate that Apple may have introduced backend changes in preparation for future AI enhancements, accidentally disrupting Siri’s reliability in the process. Others worry that Apple is struggling to keep up with the expectations of smarter, more conversational assistants like Google Assistant and ChatGPT.
While this decline in functionality is frustrating, Apple has a strong track record of addressing performance issues in subsequent updates. The question now is how soon the company will respond to these concerns and what steps will be taken to restore Siri’s reliability. For now, iOS 18.4 users may have to endure some growing pains while waiting for Siri to live up to the promises made by Apple’s AI revolution.
As users struggle with Siri’s inconsistent performance in iOS 18.4, many are left wondering what exactly has caused this decline. While Apple has remained relatively quiet about the specifics, several plausible technical reasons may be contributing to Siri’s sluggish response times and increased errors.
One major factor could be the deep integration of new AI-driven improvements that are not yet fully optimized. Apple has ambitious plans for Siri, including more advanced contextual awareness and the ability to handle complex multi-step requests. However, integrating these capabilities into existing infrastructure without disrupting current functionality is a significant challenge. If Apple is adjusting Siri’s processing mechanisms in anticipation of upcoming features, these changes could inadvertently impact performance in the interim.
Another probable reason for Siri’s decline lies in the increased demand on Apple’s servers. Voice assistant queries are processed both on-device and through Apple’s cloud infrastructure, and any backend modifications could introduce temporary slowdowns. With iOS 18.4 potentially laying the groundwork for Siri’s AI-powered future, the transition may have caused unexpected inefficiencies. If Apple is rerouting processing tasks or updating its natural language models, then response delays and misinterpretations may simply be growing pains.
Additionally, software bugs could be playing a role in Siri’s recent struggles. Despite Apple’s rigorous beta testing process, it’s common for major iOS updates to introduce new glitches. Users have reported instances where Siri inconsistently recognizes certain commands, misinterprets information stored in calendars, or even fails to set correct timers. These could be the result of minor coding errors or unforeseen conflicts between Siri’s new AI functionality and its existing logic.
Device-specific factors may also be at play. While Apple continuously optimizes iOS for older devices, newer features often require more processing power. If Siri’s enhanced AI capabilities are being gradually rolled out in the background, older iPhones may struggle more with responsiveness. Users with older hardware may experience longer wait times simply because their devices are taking longer to process requests compared to the latest iPhone models.
Another potential issue is Siri’s evolving integration with external data sources like ChatGPT. One of the most anticipated enhancements in iOS 18.4 and beyond is Siri’s ability to tap into more advanced AI systems when needed. However, there have been reports of Siri mistakenly attempting to offload simple, on-device tasks—such as retrieving calendar events—to ChatGPT, even when no external AI is required. This suggests that Apple’s new AI-routing logic is still being fine-tuned, creating an awkward hybrid state where neither system functions seamlessly.
For users frustrated by these performance drops, the good news is that Apple has a long history of addressing such issues in future updates. While the transition may be bumpy, it’s likely that iOS 18.4 is only the first step in a larger Siri transformation. As Apple refines its AI models and resolves bugs, Siri’s functionality should stabilize and, hopefully, drastically improve in upcoming versions.
Apple has acknowledged the frustrations surrounding Siri’s performance in iOS 18.4 and is actively working on addressing the concerns raised by users. While the company has not offered a detailed explanation as to why Siri seems to have taken a step backward, they have assured users that improvements are on the way. As with many major software updates, Apple appears to be in a phase of fine-tuning and optimization, ensuring that the new AI-driven capabilities eventually enhance, rather than hinder, Siri’s usability.
One of the biggest reassurances Apple has provided is that the issues currently plaguing Siri are not intended to be permanent. Internal sources suggest that ongoing refinements are happening behind the scenes, aimed at improving Siri’s responsiveness, accuracy, and ability to process commands smoothly. Apple regularly monitors user feedback and bug reports, using this data to make necessary adjustments in subsequent updates.
In prior instances where Apple’s software updates caused unexpected performance issues, the company has typically reacted swiftly to release incremental updates that resolve the most critical problems. Many users are hopeful that an iOS 18.4.1 or iOS 18.5 update will contain patches for Siri’s sluggish response times and inaccurate processing.
Furthermore, Apple’s push toward integrating Apple Intelligence features more deeply into Siri suggests that the current inconsistencies may simply be the result of growing pains. The company is making substantial changes to how its voice assistant understands and processes information, and the transition from the old system to the new one is likely introducing temporary disruptions. Some analysts believe that as Apple fine-tunes this transition, users will start to see noticeable improvements in the way Siri responds to queries and retrieves information.
For users experiencing frustrating Siri errors, Apple recommends ensuring that their devices are running the latest available version of iOS and regularly checking for software updates. The company has also encouraged users to report any Siri inconsistencies through the Feedback app, which plays a vital role in identifying and fixing widespread issues.
Despite the current shortcomings, Apple remains committed to making Siri a more powerful and intuitive assistant. The feedback from iOS 18.4 users will likely shape how Apple refines Siri in the coming months, ensuring that the voice assistant not only regains its previous reliability but also becomes smarter and more capable than ever before.
Apple’s commitment to improving Siri means that while the current version may have its setbacks, the future looks brighter. With iOS 18.4 laying the foundation for Apple Intelligence, upcoming updates are expected to not only fix these issues but also introduce enhancements that make Siri more powerful, intuitive, and reliable.
One of the most anticipated improvements is a refinement in Siri’s contextual awareness. Apple has been working toward making Siri understand conversations more fluidly, allowing for follow-up questions without needing to repeat context. This means that instead of treating every command as an isolated request, Siri will be able to remember previous interactions within a session—much like a natural human conversation. If implemented correctly, this could significantly enhance usability, especially in scenarios where users frequently ask for adjustments (e.g., “Set a reminder for my doctor’s appointment,” followed by “Change that to 3 PM instead”).
In addition to improved dialogue continuity, Apple is expected to roll out changes that will make Siri’s responses faster and more accurate. Currently, one of the biggest complaints from users is the assistant’s sluggish response time. Apple purportedly plans to optimize Siri’s on-device processing, reducing the reliance on cloud-based computations where possible. This shift could drastically cut down on delays, ensuring that common tasks like setting alarms, sending messages, or fetching weather updates happen instantaneously.
Another significant area poised for improvement is Siri’s integration with third-party AI, particularly ChatGPT. While Siri currently seems to struggle with deciding when to use external AI resources, future updates will likely make this process seamless. In theory, if Siri encounters a complex query that requires more nuanced reasoning or creativity—such as summarizing an article or generating a response in a particular writing style—it should smoothly tap into ChatGPT as a secondary resource. Apple aims to ensure that this transition happens without unnecessary prompts or confusion, making AI-enhanced responses feel more natural and useful.
Some of Siri’s current accuracy issues, such as misinterpreted calendar requests or incorrect timer settings, are also expected to be addressed in upcoming updates. Apple frequently refines its natural language processing (NLP) models, and a larger update could fine-tune Siri’s ability to correctly parse user intent. Optimizations in how Siri reads and processes structured data (like calendar entries and reminders) should help eliminate unnecessary errors and inconsistencies, restoring reliability.
Moreover, iOS 18.5—or perhaps even subsequent minor updates like iOS 18.4.1—could introduce machine learning adjustments that allow Siri to dynamically improve over time. This could mean that errors experienced today will become less common as Siri refines how it processes repeated user interactions. Apple’s strategy of continuously updating AI models in the background should ensure gradual yet noticeable improvements.
While it’s frustrating to deal with a less-than-perfect version of Siri right now, the roadmap ahead signals positive changes. Apple’s focus on AI-driven enhancements suggests that Siri’s capabilities will not just catch up with expectations but may eventually set new standards for voice assistants. With future updates in sight, users can remain hopeful that Siri will soon deliver on Apple’s grand vision—providing faster, smarter, and more reliable assistance in everyday tasks.
Apple’s long-term vision for Siri extends far beyond the current wave of AI-driven enhancements. While iOS 18.4 may have introduced some setbacks, Apple remains committed to transforming Siri into a truly intelligent and indispensable digital assistant. The company views Siri as more than just a voice-activated feature—it envisions an assistant that integrates deeply into the user’s daily life, proactively assisting with tasks, anticipating needs, and evolving with each interaction.
At the core of this vision is Apple Intelligence, a broad initiative aimed at weaving AI seamlessly into every aspect of the Apple ecosystem. Apple’s AI strategy isn’t just about making Siri respond faster or improving voice recognition—it’s about building an assistant that understands users on a deeper level. By leveraging on-device machine learning, Siri will be able to understand individual habits, preferences, and context, delivering a more personalized experience. For instance, instead of merely responding to commands, Siri will eventually anticipate when you typically leave for work and offer relevant traffic updates before you even ask.
Another pillar of Apple’s long-term strategy is Siri’s interaction with apps and services. While Siri has historically been limited to Apple’s native apps, future updates are expected to dramatically expand its capabilities. Apple has been exploring deeper integrations with third-party apps, ensuring that Siri can handle complex, multi-step actions across various services. Imagine asking Siri to create a to-do list that integrates with both Apple Reminders and a third-party productivity app like Notion, or requesting it to order food from your favorite delivery service without switching apps.
Furthermore, Apple aims to make Siri a more natural conversational partner. The long-standing issue of Siri treating every command as a separate interaction, without retaining context, is something Apple Intelligence intends to fix. Apple is working toward enabling Siri to handle conversational follow-ups, allowing users to correct previous requests without restating everything. For example, after asking Siri to “Schedule a meeting with John” and then immediately saying “Actually, make that at 4 PM,” Siri should seamlessly adjust the original request. This kind of conversational intelligence would bring Siri much closer to a truly human-like assistant.
Another exciting aspect of Siri’s evolution is its potential in multimodal AI interactions. Apple is reportedly working on ways to integrate Siri’s voice capabilities with vision-based AI models. This could mean that in the future, users might not just talk to Siri, but also engage with it visually through augmented reality (AR) applications or smart glasses. A more advanced Siri could analyze what’s on your device’s screen and provide context-aware assistance, whether it’s summarizing an article, recognizing an object in a photo, or offering real-time AR guidance.
Security and privacy remain paramount in Apple’s vision for Siri. Unlike some competitors that rely heavily on cloud-based assistance, Apple is committed to processing as much Siri-related data as possible on-device. This means that even as Siri becomes more powerful, users can trust that their interactions remain private. Future iterations of Siri are expected to push even more AI computations to local hardware, minimizing dependency on Apple’s servers while maintaining efficiency and responsiveness.
Ultimately, Apple’s vision isn’t just about fixing the current issues with Siri in iOS 18.4. The company is striving toward a future where Siri is a truly proactive, intelligent, and reliable assistant—one that adapts to users’ needs, integrates seamlessly across devices, and becomes an essential part of daily life. While the road ahead may involve some growing pains, the advancements in AI and Apple’s relentless focus on improvement suggest that Siri’s best days are still ahead.
