01.30.2026
Following a January that saw Apple release a new AirTag and the Creator Studio bundle of creative apps, it is now time to shift our attention to February. Below, we
Below, we have outlined some key items to expect from Apple in February. Of course, these are only the things that are known, so stay tuned for even more.
iOS 26.3
iOS 26.3 remains in beta testing, but the update should be released soon. We expect the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to be seeded as early as next week, and the update should be released to the general public in the first half of February.
iOS 26.3 is a relatively minor update, with only a handful of notable new features, including a new iOS-to-Android transfer tool, notification forwarding and AirPods-like proximity pairing for third-party accessories like smartwatches, and a carrier-related limit precise location setting. Apple also appears to be laying the groundwork for carriers to begin supporting end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging, which it has promised to implement.
Personalized Siri (Beta)
Apple plans to announce a more personalized version of Siri powered by Google Gemini in the second half of February, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
The more personalized Siri will be part of iOS 26.4, which will be available in beta in February and released to the general public in March or early April, according to Gurman. Based on that timeframe, the new-and-improved Siri should be available to all customers with an iPhone 15 Pro or newer in just a few more months.
As previewed by Apple, the assistant "should be able to tap into personal data and on-screen content to fulfill tasks," according to Gurman.
Apple first announced the more personalized version of Siri all the way back at WWDC 2024, but it was eventually delayed. At the time, Apple showed an iPhone user asking Siri about their mother's flight and lunch reservation plans based on info retrieved from the Mail and Messages apps, as one example of a new capability.
The revamped Siri reportedly experienced issues inside Apple, leading the company to turn to Google Gemini. As part of the partnership, the revamped Siri will still run on a new Apple Intelligence model that has Gemini's technology baked in.
Other Known Dates
- Thursday, February 5: Another four games are coming to Apple Arcade, including Retrocade, an app that lets you play classic arcade games like Asteroids, PAC-MAN, Breakout, Galaga, and Space Invaders. One of the other additions will be an arcade version of the popular PC game Sid Meier's Civilization VII.
- Friday, February 6: Apple will accept submissions for the 2026 Swift Student Challenge from Friday, February 6 through Saturday, February 28. Some of the winners will be invited to spend three days at Apple Park during WWDC 2026 in June.
- Sunday, February 8: Apple Music is the official sponsor of the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, set to be held on Sunday, February 8. This year's performer is Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny.
- Tuesday, February 10: A few years ago, Apple's Home app was rearchitected, and the company will be ending support for the original architecture on this day. If you do not update, Apple warns you might experience issues.
- Tuesday, February 24: Apple will be holding its annual shareholders meeting at 8 a.m. Pacific Time, and it will once again be held virtually. Apple shareholders of record as of January 2, 2026 can vote to re-elect the company's board of directors, ask questions, and more. Apple rarely answers any questions about future plans, so the meetings are often unremarkable from a news perspective.
Tag: Siri
Related Forum: iOS 26
This article, "What to Expect From Apple in February, Including Revamped Siri in Beta" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
You may also be interested in this
5 cool things you can do …
11.12.2025
When it comes to Samsung SmartThings and the Siri voice assistant, there are plenty of neat tricks to try in your smart home. (via Cult of Mac - Your source
Groove to a trio of new A…
12.10.2024
Three new Apple Music Radio stations will greatly expand live programming -- Apple Música Uno, Apple Music Club and Apple Music Chill. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors,
7 exciting features to ex…
10.31.2025
Tim Cook confirmed a smarter Siri arrives in 2026. So let's revisit what we can expect from this AI-enhanced personal voice assistant. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for
Siri’s Big Upgrade: Apple…
11.03.2025
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter, Apple is “betting heavily” on a new, smarter… The post Siri’s Big Upgrade: Apple Reportedly Tapping Google’s Gemini Model appeared
Apple’s AI pin and the ri…
01.26.2026
On the latest Cult of Mac podcast: Details emerge about Apple's work on an AI pin, and we're all wondering, what the heck will it do? (via Cult of Mac
Siri desperately needs th…
09.26.2025
Apple is reportedly testing an iPhone application with an AI-powered chatbot. Not building this into Siri would be a serious mistake. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the
New smart speaker looks j…
05.19.2025
The new WiiM Sound smart speaker isn't just a HomePod 2 lookalike -- it could be a major Apple competitor. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and
Here’s When Apple P…
01.25.2026
Apple plans to unveil a more personalized version of Siri powered by Google Gemini next month, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "The company has been planning an announcement of the

