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Jason Smith
User level: Level 2 (193 points)

AI siri is just not functioning in high bandwidth cellular.

Siri AI doesn’t work over cellular about 90% of the time even with simple requests like play my music. Does anyone know what might be the problem? I have a brand new iPhone 18 pro with IOS27. I've updated it to the latest update and it's really frustrating that it doesn't work as advertised. I live 5 minutes from t-moblies' headquarters and am on their unlimited plan for cellular data and my bandwidth is over 200+ up and down. I'm considering taking the phone back if there is no solution but I don't know what to do? I had the beta version on my last phone and it was pretty decent. now it's unusable. I've restated, I've toggled siri on and off, I've toggled cellular data on and off and restarted wit hthe phone outside of wifi but no luck.

Posted on Sep 20, 2026 10:10 AM

5 replies

WheelieNick
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)

Sep 20, 2026 10:34 AM in response to Jason Smith

Try this


Since you used the iOS beta on your previous phone, iCloud may have restored hidden beta configurations or corrupt network tokens to your new device.

  • Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
  • If you see any Beta Software Profile or unusual configuration profiles listed, delete them immediately.
  • Restart your phone after removal.


iCloud Private Relay encrypts your web traffic and routes it through two separate internet relays. It is notorious for causing Siri to time out over cellular networks because it can trick Siri into thinking you don't have an active internet connection.

  • Go to Settings > [Your Name / Apple ID] > iCloud > Private Relay.
  • Toggle Private Relay OFF.
  • Test Siri over cellular to see if the response time improves.


Jason Smith Author
User level: Level 2 (193 points)

Sep 20, 2026 10:38 AM in response to Jason Smith

I think I figured out the problem. It appears that Apple's own Private Relay and AI Siri are not compatible in the sense that the whole system is too slow and Siri times out before the first request completes and then subsequent requests the are just ignored while the first is processing in the background. this is a bit frustrating since privacy of Siri was a selling point and this seems to eliminate the privacy. If anyone has a solution to use both, I'd love to hear it!

brettthiess
User level: Level 1 (8 points)

Nov 2, 2026 8:03 AM in response to Jason Smith

I have the exact same issue. I did a reset of the network settings, which worked for a day. I was on the line with Tmobile for 30 minutes who ultimately said it was a Siri AI issue. I was on Apple support chat for another 30 minutes who came up with the VPN fix. Even though I did not have any VPNs turned on, just having them on the phone seemed to affect Siri AI. That worked for about a day. Now I am back to dysfunctional SiriAI. I have to use regular Siri if I want it to work at all on CarPlay. But I bought this new phone expecting all Apple functions would at least work.

Jason Smith Author
User level: Level 2 (193 points)

Sep 20, 2026 10:39 AM in response to WheelieNick

I was typing my 2nd response as you were and I think we have the same conclusion on private relay.

AidanJones03
User level: Level 1 (8 points)

Oct 28, 2026 11:03 AM in response to WheelieNick

I have tried all of these. I have T-Mobile and there are several times where siriAI is completely useless on cellular. I really have issues when in CarPlay.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256361244