A restricted launch for a central feature
In presenting Siri AI during the WWDC 2026 keynote, Apple specified that at the fall release — alongside iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS Golden Gate, and watchOS 27 — the revamped assistant will be available in English only. Engadget reports that Apple stated support for additional languages will be added later, without specifying a timeline.
The Apple Intelligence precedent
This is not the first time Apple has launched an AI feature with limited language availability: Apple Intelligence debuted in 2024 in US English, progressively adding Australian, British, Canadian English and other languages throughout iOS 18.x. The pattern repeats, this time on a feature of greater scope.
A technical or commercial choice?
Apple did not explain the reasons for the choice. Possible motivations include the complexity of integrating Google's Gemini models for languages other than English, or simply the need to validate the system on the primary language first. TechRadar notes that the list of Siri AI-compatible devices is already described as 'shockingly short', and this additional language restriction further reduces the user base able to access the feature at launch.