Apple’s Siri shocker is flashing a warning AAPL bulls can’t ignore
Apple (AAPL), since WWDC 2024, has sold a simple comeback story: Siri is getting a real AI brain, further cementing Apple’s AI credentials.
CEO Tim Cook put it this way.
However, the latest reporting presents a problem for Apple and Siri enthusiasts. The issue for Apple comes down to one word: reliability.
Apple’s Siri delay isn’t just a tech story; it’s a stock story
Apple’s overhauled Siri is hitting new snags in internal testing. The issue is reportedly forcing a rethink in Apple’s C-suite. Apple bet the farm on the upgrade, and it seems it can’t wish away the issue.
The latest misstep is forcing the company to consider spreading key features beyond iOS 26.4, scheduled for March. The features now could debut in iOS 26.5 (May) and later releases, including iOS 27, according to a report from The Verge, T3 reported.
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That timing matters for Apple investors and tech fans. Apple’s 2026 iPhone thesis is increasingly connected to “Apple Intelligence,” making it to the rollout stage and becoming a ubiquitous part of the daily life of Apple users, instead of just a display on stage.
And now Wall Street is starting to trade the Apple schedule.
AAPL fell about 5%, following reports that emerged regarding the delayed Siri AI upgrades.
Apple’s stock setup makes Siri stalled execution a bigger deal
Apple’s Siri delay comes at a time when the tech giant’s financial situation is strong.
In its fiscal Q1 2026 report (quarter ended Dec. 27, 2025), Apple reported $143.8 billion in revenue (+16% year over year), finishing with $2.84 in EPS (+19% YoY). That’s not all; Apple posted roughly $54 billion in operating cash flow and about $32 billion returned to shareholders.
These numbers explain why the Siri delay feels more significant. Apple is still a company that is printing cash, but inherent in the value of the stock is an assumption that the tech giant can make substantial changes on schedule.
Stock check (as of Feb. 14, 2026):
- Price: $255.78
- Market cap: Around $4.05T
- P/E: About 34.4x
- EPS (ttm): Approximately $7.90
Apple also declared a $0.26/share dividend payable Feb. 12.
Why the “new Siri” is getting stuck on the hardest parts
The big issue for Apple is that the features reportedly facing delay are the most hyped. Apple fans are salivating at the prospect of Siri shifting from a mere “voice assistant” to something more intimate, something like an always-available agent.
For now, everything is very hush-hush. However, rumors about Apple’s new developments are currently circulating. Apple’s new Siri capabilities reportedly include more personal context and deeper actions across apps.
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These are the capabilities under the scanner, and these are why, due to testing issues, timelines are being shifted from iOS 26.4 toward later releases.
That is, unfortunately, the test that many tech fans want major conglomerates to sail through. They do not want to see a flashy demo. Instead, they want to see the shipment of a fast, accurate, dependable assistant that works in real-world situations.
Apple is sticking to a 2026 timeline
After the delay came to light, Apple reiterated to CNBC that it’s still on track to debut the upgraded Siri in 2026. However, there was no commitment to a specific iOS point release.
That piece of news matters.
Apple can meet the promise of “2026,” but it missed the chance to make a big Siri leap in the spring, when investors sought to reward tech giants that are delivering on AI hype.
What should AAPL stock investors do now?
- AAPL is now a trust trade. Siri can, potentially, deploy in stages, making it seem like an unfinished product. The downside is that this kind of release trains users to expect inconsistency from Apple.
- The bar is higher for Apple because it is a fundamentally strong brand. Record revenue, record EPS, and huge cash returns make users anticipate clear execution, not long-lasting AI confusion.
- Watch the Catalyst calendar. Apple now has three chances to show off Siri’s development in delivering software: iOS 26.4 (March), iOS 26.5 (May), and WWDC season. If it doesn’t, additional “behind in AI” headlines will follow.
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