As smartphones race into the AI era, three very different players have laid out their strategies. Apple revealed that its long-planned Siri AI upgrades are now delayed until 2026, disappointing users who expected a smarter, more context-aware assistant with iOS 18. Meanwhile, OPPO used MWC 2025 to showcase a suite of on-device AI features (like real-time call translation and voice transcription) and pledged monthly AI updates to reach 100 million generative-AI users by year-end. And in a twist, Deutsche Telekom is becoming an “AI-first” carrier by launching its own AI smartphone with a voice-first “Magenta AI” assistant powered by Perplexity.

These moves – Apple’s conservative delay, OPPO’s aggressive rollout, and Telekom’s carrier-driven pivot – illustrate key trends in mobile AI.

Let’s explore where each company stands and what their next move means for users.

🧠 Apple’s Siri AI Upgrade Delayed Until 2026

“It’s going to take us longer than we thought” — Apple (via Reuters)

Apple recently confirmed that its much-anticipated AI upgrades to Siri will not arrive until 2026, missing the expected iOS 18 release window. These improvements were supposed to make Siri more:

• 🧩 Context-aware
• 📲 Capable of taking actions across apps
• 🗣️ More natural in conversations

But now, Apple users will have to wait another year while the company refines its AI model and doubles down on privacy and on-device processing.

🔍 What’s Being Delayed?

Why This Matters 🧭

• ❗ Falling behind competitors like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
• 🔐 Apple prioritizes on-device AI for security and data protection.
• ⏳ Delay may impact Apple’s “Apple Intelligence” rollout timeline.

🔗 Related read: Meta AI App with LLaMA 4

📞 OPPO Unleashes Mobile AI at MWC 2025

At MWC 2025, OPPO took a bold leap into AI territory, unveiling:

• 🌐 AI Call Translator – Real-time translation in voice calls
• ✍️ VoiceScribe – Live transcription and smart summaries of conversations
• 🤝 Google Gemini integration across Calendar, Notes, and more
• ☁️ Private Computing Cloud for enhanced AI data security

📱 OPPO’s 2025 AI Features at a Glance

OPPO aims to bring generative AI to 100 million users by the end of 2025 via monthly AI feature drops.

📈 Ambition Level: High 🔒 Security Priority: High 🤝 Partnerships: Strong alignment with Google

🔗 See also: AI Shopping Assistants – Visa & Mastercard

📶 Deutsche Telekom & Perplexity: The AI Phone for the Masses

In a surprising yet compelling move, Deutsche Telekom (DT) is launching a new AI-first smartphone, in partnership with startup Perplexity.

This phone, priced under $1000, is:

• 🎙️ Equipped with the Magenta AI Assistant (by Perplexity)
• 📤 Able to send texts, book flights, manage tasks via voice
• 🌍 Initially focused on European markets

🔮 What Makes the “AI Phone” Unique?

DT says this launch transforms it from a telecom into an AI-first company.

This initiative goes beyond basic smartphone AI—it’s about deeply integrating generative assistants into everyday communication services.

🧭 Side-by-Side Comparison Table

🔍 What This Means for You (Tech Consumers & Enthusiasts)

• If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, expect solid AI eventually, but you’ll have to wait.
• If you want cutting-edge mobile AI today, OPPO’s suite is unmatched in 2025.
• If you care about cost-effective smart phones, DT’s AI Phone could be a game-changer.

🎯 Bottom Line: 2025–2026 is a turning point for AI in mobile. Whether you prioritize security, functionality, or affordability—your AI phone is coming.

In summary, 2025 is shaping up as a pivotal year for smartphone AI. Apple, OPPO, and Deutsche Telekom each show a different approach to integrating AI: cautious and private (Apple), aggressive and iterative (OPPO), and holistic service-driven (Telekom). The winning strategies will likely combine speed of innovation with user trust and practical utility.

Trends to watch: accelerated AI rollouts (beyond annual OS cycles), AI assistants becoming primary interfaces, new smartphone categories (the “AI phone”), and the balance between on-device and cloud AI. Consumers should look for phones that can do more for them proactively, without compromising privacy – whether that’s Apple’s vision or OPPO/Telekom’s. The AI battle in mobile tech has only just begun.

For more context on AI in upcoming phones, see AI Front Hub’s smartphone technologies of 2025 and our preview of Apple’s AI-powered iPhone 16e (2025).