Apple is reportedly giving Siri something users have been asking for since… well, forever: the ability to handle multiple commands in one go. Yes, in iOS 27, you may finally be able to say, “Set a reminder, text my friend, and check the weather,” without Siri mentally collapsing after the first task, according to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg.
Revolutionary? Not quite. Necessary? Absolutely.
The “Wait, It Couldn’t Already Do That?” Moment
Let’s address the obvious: most modern AI assistants – and even some that weren’t particularly “smart” – have been able to handle multi-step commands for years. Meanwhile, Siri has been stuck in a loop where every request had to be broken down like you’re explaining things to a particularly polite but confused intern.
NEW: Apple is testing the ability for Siri to – finally – be able to handle multiple commands at once in iOS 27. For example, asking for the weather + making a calendar appointment + checking the news in one query. https://t.co/AEBOiJ0fsr
“Hey Siri, set a reminder.” “Hey Siri, now send a message.” “Hey Siri, actually forget it, I’ll just do it myself.”
So yes, this upgrade feels less like a breakthrough and more like Apple finally fixing a very visible limitation. But it’s also something more important: a signal that Apple is finally taking AI seriously in ways that impact daily use.
Siri’s Redemption Arc (Hopefully)
This isn’t just about stacking commands. It’s about context, flow, and – dare we say it – intelligence.
The updated Siri is expected to understand multi-step intent, which means it won’t just hear you – it might actually follow you. That’s a big leap for an assistant that has historically excelled at setting timers and not much else.
SiriUnsplash
Apple is folding this into its broader “Apple Intelligence” push, which aims to turn Siri into something closer to a real digital assistant rather than a glorified voice shortcut system. The idea is simple: fewer interruptions, fewer repeated wake words, and a smoother interaction that feels less like operating a machine and more like having a conversation.
It’s a low bar. But it’s progress.
Why This Actually Matters
Here’s the thing – this isn’t about flashy AI demos or writing poetry on command. This is about friction.
Every extra step in using your phone adds up. Every repeated “Hey Siri” chips away at convenience. Over time, users just stop using it. By enabling multi-step commands, Apple is removing one of the biggest reasons people abandoned Siri in the first place: it wasn’t worth the effort.
If done right, this could turn Siri from a novelty into something genuinely useful for productivity – handling daily routines, managing tasks, even coordinating smart home actions without constant micromanagement. In short, it might finally save time instead of wasting it.
Apple’s Bigger AI Problem
But let’s not get carried away.
This upgrade also highlights a bigger issue: Apple is playing catch-up. While competitors have been racing ahead with conversational AI and agent-like capabilities, Apple is still rolling out features that feel like they should’ve existed years ago.
SiriUnsplash
Even with improvements, Siri still needs to prove it can compete with assistants that understand nuance, context, and intent on a much deeper level. Because multitasking is great – but it’s the baseline now, not the finish line.
What Comes Next
All signs point to this arriving with iOS 27, likely debuting at WWDC 2026. And if Apple follows its usual pattern, this will be just the beginning of a broader transformation. Expect deeper app integration. Smarter automation. Maybe even a Siri that can anticipate what you want before you ask.
Or, at the very least, one that doesn’t give up halfway through a sentence. Because if Apple wants Siri to matter again, it’s not enough to make it smarter. It has to make it effortless.
For three decades, the Subaru Outback has occupied a unique corner of the automotive world, carving out a niche that sits comfortably between a family wagon and a mountain-climbing SUV. With over three million sold since its debut, the Outback has become the literal and figurative utility player of the Subaru lineup.
Now entering its seventh generation, the 2026 Outback arrives when the average new vehicle price is at an all-time high, yet Subaru has kept its starting MSRPs reasonable, even dropping them in some instances. If you’re cross-shopping the Outback against other mid-size crossovers, here are the six best things about the 2026 Subaru Outback.
6
Affordable
High-value MSRP relative to the national average
One of the most compelling arguments for the 2026 Outback is its value proposition. While the average price of a new vehicle is hovering around or above $50,000, the Outback starts significantly lower.
The entry-level Premium begins at $36,445 (including destination), a figure that undercuts many rivals while still including standard all-wheel drive and a comprehensive suite of tech and safety features. Even the feature-heavy Touring XT and Wilderness trims typically stay under that $50,000 national benchmark, making the Outback a financially savvy choice for families.
Here is a fast trim level breakdown. The starting MSRP figures include the $1,450 destination fee.
Base Trim Engine
2.5-liter four boxer
Base Trim Transmission
CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Premium
Starting MSRP: $36,445
Heated seats.
Black rear badging.
Cargo tonneau cover.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Power rear gate w/ automatic close.
Removable rear trailer hitch bumper cover.
18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels w/ dark gray finish.
An optional package for the Premium adds rain-sensing wipers, cloud-based navigation, a wireless smartphone charger, a heated steering wheel, and a moonroof for $2,270.
Limited
Starting MSRP: $43,165
Navigation.
Power moonroof.
Harman Kardon stereo.
Wireless smartphone charger.
Heated rear seats and steering wheel.
18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels w/ matte black finish.
Two optional packages are available for the Outback Wilderness. The first adds a moonroof, navigation, and a surround-view monitor for $2,045.
The second includes those, plus Nappa leather seats with copper stitching, ventilated front seats, a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat for an additional $4,090.
581-mile range, standard AWD, and updated safety features.
5
Two capable powertrain options
Standard Symmetrical AWD
Credit: Subaru
Two Boxer (i.e., horizontally opposed) engines are available for the 2026 Outback, depending on the trim level. Premium, Limited, and Touring feature a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower (5,800 rpm) and 178 lb-ft. of torque (4,800 rpm).
Limited XT, Touring XT, and Wilderness have a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 260 horsepower (5,600 rpm) and 277 lb-ft. of torque (2,000 to 4,800 rpm). Despite being a turbo engine with a higher power output, it does not require premium fuel.
The X-MODE system is also standard, which can be used on a muddy path, a gravel road, or during a snowstorm. X-MODE uses the same sensors as the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, making additional adjustments to the Outback to ensure the best possible traction.
4
Significant tech leap with Snapdragon power
Owners can create individual profiles
Subaru has addressed the issue of infotainment lag, one of the biggest complaints from previous owners. The 2026 Outback features an all-new infotainment system, with navigation map swipe now up to three times faster, audio screen transitions up to six times faster, and overall scroll response up to two times faster. Notable updates and improvements include:
Optimized Display: A 12.1-inch higher-resolution touchscreen replaces the previous 11.6-inch unit. The screen reduces unwanted glare and light reflections by up to 80%.
Better Graphics: Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Automotive Processor, it features an octa-core architecture and an Adreno GPU.
More Memory: Approximately 2.5 times faster computing performance, with memory doubled from 4 GB to 8 GB and storage expanded from 64 GB to 128 GB.
Connectivity: Supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, Google Built-in services (Google Assistant/Maps), and automatic updates.
Personalization: Owners can create individual profiles and configure the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster to highlight certain features and information. The 12.3-inch cluster is also new for the 2026 Outback.
While the overhauled infotainment system is a selling point, one current 2026 Outback owner has reported that Apple CarPlay functionality and the wireless charging pad don’t always work as intended.
Brand
AstroAI
Capacity
Up to 8 car tires (single charge)
This AstroAI mini tire inflator is perfect for keeping in your glove box when traveling. It’s portable and battery powered, meaning you don’t have to plug it in to use it. Plus, you’re able to set the exact tire pressure you want it to inflate to and it’ll automatically stop when it reaches that pressure.
3
Return of physical climate controls
Small things add up
Credit: Subaru
In a rare move that prioritizes driver ergonomics over minimalist trends, Subaru has brought back physical buttons and knobs for the climate control system. While the large 12.1-inch screen handles navigation and media, the often-used functions, like cabin temperature and fan speed, can now be adjusted by feel without taking your eyes off the road.
According to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study, infotainment touchscreens are the study’s most problematic category, with consumers expressing a general dislike for what is sometimes described as “infotainment creep.” Subaru’s decision to have physical buttons for some of the most common vehicle functions is a small change that buyers are likely to appreciate.
Better than a generic tablet glued to the dashboard.
2
Advanced “hands-off” driving system
Using GPS and 3D maps
Every 2026 Outback is standard with Subaru’s EyeSight package, which includes active safety features such as haptic steering wheel alerts, automatic emergency steering, lane keep assist, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings, and reverse automatic braking.
Also standard is a feature called Emergency Stop Assist, which will stop the 2026 Outback if the driver becomes unresponsive while using the adaptive cruise control. Once stopped, the Outback can activate the hazard lights, unlock the doors, and call 911.
The Touring and Touring XT are standard with Highway Hands-Free Assist. Using GPS data and 3D high-definition maps, the system can manage steering, braking, and lane changes on compatible highways with an attentive driver. Highway Hands-Free Assist does require an active MySubaru Companion or Companion+ subscription, which typically includes a five-year trial for 2026 models.
1
Genuine off-road capability
Plenty of ground clearance
Credit: Subaru
Unlike many “soft-roaders” that simply add plastic cladding, the 2026 Outback offers hardware that backs up its muscular look, especially with the Wilderness model.
Every Outback comes with at least 8.7 inches of clearance to begin with, but the Wilderness trim bumps that to 9.5 inches. Combine that with the all-terrain Bridgestone Dueler tires, electronically controlled dampers, all-weather floormats, and ladder-style roof rails, and the 2026 Outback Wilderness is the ideal weekend getaway vehicle.
Wilderness models also have a variation of X-MODE called Dual Mode, which includes specific settings for snow, dirt, and mud, along with hill descent control.
Red carpet treatment, even if you buy something used.
Charitable causes and factory warranty
While the 2026 Subaru Outback makes a strong case for itself through an optimized infotainment system and rugged hardware, the ownership experience extends beyond the driver’s seat. For many buyers, the appeal of a Subaru lies in the brand’s alignment with social and environmental causes.
A prime example is the Subaru Love-Encore program launched in partnership with Gifts for Good. The program invites new customers back to the Subaru dealer about two weeks after purchase to meet with a staff member who can answer any questions they have about their new Subaru.
At that time, customers can choose either a mission-aligned product or direct the gift’s value to charity. Each physical gift is an ethically sourced product that comes with a story card, so customers can read about the impact the gift selection has made. Customers also have the option to redeem the gift’s value towards a charitable cause.
Every 2026 Subaru Outback has a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
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