Siri fails to play PC-synced music on iPhone 15 (iOS 26.3

Siri no longer starts playback of my PC‑synced, local‑only music on my iPhone 15 after updating to iOS 26.3.

I sync music from my Windows PC using Wi‑Fi and USB. I don’t use Apple Music or iCloud Music Library, and all tracks are stored locally.

For years, Siri could play any of my downloaded songs hands‑free while driving, which is important for safety. Since iOS 26.3, Siri recognizes the song name but fails with: “Sorry, there was a problem with Apple Music.” This happens for every local track, even though the Music app plays them normally when tapped.

This appears to be a regression in Siri’s ability to start playback from local libraries, and it removes safe, hands‑free music control while driving.

iPhone 15, iOS 26

Posted on Feb 26, 2026 7:14 AM

Feb 28, 2026 2:11 PM in response to Al Stearns

I have the exact same problem, the only difference being that my music is synced from a Mac, not a PC. Regardless, Siri is incompetent and Apple doesn't care.

I've reported this through Feedback Assistant with device logs, sysdiagnoses, and screen recordings, but haven't received a reply.

Don't hold your breath; Siri is deeply broken at this point, and Apple abandoned users who sync their own music 5+ years ago.

The only thing I'm holding out faint hope for is that the new Gemini-powered Siri will somehow become competent at a basic level, but of course that keeps getting pushed back because Apple can't get it working (it was supposed to arrive with 26.4 but has since been delayed indefinitely).