Siri’s Struggles and the Larger Issue of Apple’s Laggard AI Development

As Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 approaches, the company is facing a growing concern that its struggles with artificial intelligence (AI) may overshadow the event’s expected announcements. At the center of this issue is Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, which has been delayed indefinitely due to technical difficulties and a lack of progress in developing its AI capabilities.

According to Bloomberg, Apple’s AI team, known as Apple Intelligence, has been working to improve Siri’s functionality, but the project has been plagued by bugs and delays. The company’s engineers have been racing to fix these issues, but so far, they have been unsuccessful. As a result, Siri’s upgrade has been postponed until at least next year, with some insiders predicting that it may not be released until 2026.

This delay is not just a minor setback for Apple; it’s a symptom of a larger problem. The company’s struggles with AI development are a concern for investors and consumers alike, as the tech industry continues to shift towards AI-powered features and services. Apple’s competitors, such as Samsung and Google, are already integrating AI into their products, and if Apple fails to catch up, it may find itself falling behind.

The issue is not just about Siri; it’s about Apple’s overall approach to AI development. The company has been slow to adopt AI-powered features, and when it has, they have often been met with criticism. For example, Apple’s LLM-powered (large language model) features have been criticized for being clunky and unresponsive.

Despite the challenges, Apple is expected to push forward with its AI development at WWDC 2025. Rumors suggest that the company will unveil a major redesign of its iOS operating system, inspired by its visionOS for the Apple Vision Pro headset. However, the focus on AI will likely be a major talking point, and Apple will need to address the concerns of investors and consumers if it wants to regain its reputation as a leader in the tech industry.

As one analyst noted, “Apple’s AI problem is not just about Siri; it’s about the company’s overall approach to AI development. If they can’t get it right, they risk falling behind their competitors and losing market share.”

The stakes are high for Apple, as the tech industry continues to shift towards AI-powered features and services. According to a recent poll by CNET, a significant majority of iPhone users and Samsung users do not see the value in AI-powered features, with 73% of iPhone users and 87% of Samsung users saying that AI features add little to no value to their general phone experience.

However, this may not be the case for long. As AI technology continues to improve, it’s likely that more consumers will begin to see the value in AI-powered features. If Apple fails to keep up, it may find itself struggling to compete with its competitors.

For now, Apple’s AI struggles remain a concern, but it’s not a make-or-break moment for the company. However, if Apple fails to address these issues, it may find itself struggling to keep up with the rapidly changing tech landscape.

A Changing Landscape

The tech industry is undergoing a significant shift towards AI-powered features and services. Companies like Google and Samsung are already integrating AI into their products, and it’s likely that more companies will follow suit.

According to a recent report by ResearchAndMarkets, the global AI market is expected to grow from $190.6 billion in 2023 to $390.9 billion by 2028, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.3%. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of AI-powered features and services across various industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail.

As the tech industry continues to shift towards AI-powered features and services, Apple will need to adapt quickly to stay ahead of the competition. The company’s AI struggles are a concern, but it’s not too late for Apple to catch up.

A Roadmap for Recovery

To address its AI struggles, Apple will need to take a multi-pronged approach. Here are a few steps the company can take to get back on track:

Invest in AI Research: Apple will need to invest in AI research and development to stay ahead of the competition. This includes hiring top talent in the field and partnering with AI startups to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies.

Improve AI-Powered Features: Apple will need to improve its AI-powered features to make them more user-friendly and effective. This includes refining its LLM-powered features and integrating AI into its products in a more seamless way.

Focus on User Experience: Apple will need to focus on creating a better user experience for its customers. This includes making AI-powered features more intuitive and user-friendly, and providing more transparency into how AI is used in its products.

Communicate with Investors and Consumers: Apple will need to communicate its AI strategy to investors and consumers to build trust and confidence. This includes being transparent about its AI development and providing regular updates on its progress.

By taking these steps, Apple can address its AI struggles and regain its reputation as a leader in the tech industry. However, it’s a challenging road ahead, and Apple will need to adapt quickly to stay ahead of the competition.