The author missed the big red "Turn Siri Off" button at the bottom of the same preferences window that they're using as proof that it can't be turned off. https://imgur.com/a/hB5fWLS
I am 100% sure there will be a `defaults write ...` command and/or a policy setting via Apple Configurator (mobileconfig profile) to disable it completely.
They will probably push hard on the "enabled by default" part. Since they are literally paying millions to Google...
Maybe the difference is that in iOS 26 you can turn off Apple Intelligence without turning off Siri. That's how I've been running my devices. It'll be unfortunate if I can't continue doing so.
of course it is, all the cute little options to toggle off AI are only temporary... it's going to be inextricably baked into systems as time goes on, especially if it's a local model
Only into systems you don't control. Not into systems you do control unless you want it baked-in. You'd think those frogs would be boiled by now but those which aren't can still escape the pot to hop from the former towards one of the latter.