Apple has long been at the center of discussions surrounding artificial intelligence, but not for the right reasons. Unlike competitors such as Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, which have made significant strides in AI-powered assistants and chatbots, Apple has lagged behind in modernizing Siri. A recently leaked all-hands meeting sheds light on just how dire the situation has become.
According to Bloomberg, Apple’s Siri team, led by senior director Robby Walker, recently held an internal meeting where he described the ongoing struggles as an “ugly” situation. The company originally announced ambitious AI-powered features for Siri at WWDC 2024, but those enhancements have faced repeated delays, and their arrival in iOS 19 remains uncertain.
Walker’s remarks, along with additional insider reports, paint a troubling picture of Apple’s difficulties in keeping up with the rapidly evolving AI landscape. With Siri’s reputation already suffering due to its outdated capabilities, the continued setbacks are placing additional strain on Apple’s AI ambitions.
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Apple’s AI Challenges: What Went Wrong?
Apple initially planned to roll out significant AI improvements to Siri under the banner of “Apple Intelligence.” These enhancements aimed to make Siri more context-aware, allowing it to understand user intent better, perform actions based on on-screen information, and integrate more deeply with iPhone and iPad applications. However, despite being showcased during WWDC 2024, these features have failed to materialize, leading to increasing frustration among both customers and employees.
Several key issues have contributed to Apple’s struggles with Siri and AI development:
- Technical Limitations – Reports indicate that many of Siri’s AI features were not functioning properly in internal testing, with failure rates reaching as high as 30%. Apple’s focus on privacy and on-device processing has also made it more difficult to implement cloud-based AI solutions that competitors have successfully leveraged.
- Internal Conflicts – The leaked meeting revealed tensions between Apple’s Siri team and its marketing division. Walker noted that the communications team was eager to promote features like Siri’s enhanced contextual understanding before they were fully developed. This premature marketing push led to unrealistic expectations among customers, which Apple has since struggled to meet.
- Resource Allocation – Walker acknowledged that Apple is juggling multiple major projects, and some of them have taken priority over Siri’s delayed features. While AI remains a long-term focus, the company has had to make difficult decisions about where to allocate development resources.
- Competitor Pressure – Apple’s slow progress stands in stark contrast to the rapid advancements made by competitors. Google’s Gemini AI, Microsoft’s Copilot, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT are all significantly ahead in terms of capabilities. Even Samsung and Amazon have improved their voice assistants, leaving Apple at risk of falling further behind.
The Fallout: Frustration Among Apple Employees
The ongoing delays have reportedly led to frustration among Apple’s Siri engineers and AI researchers. In the leaked meeting, Walker acknowledged that many employees are feeling burned out due to the repeated setbacks. He praised their work but admitted that the delays were harming morale.
According to reports, Apple executives, including software chief Craig Federighi and AI head John Giannandrea, have taken “intense personal accountability” for the situation. However, no clear roadmap for resolving the issues has been publicly outlined.
Adding to the controversy, Apple recently removed an iPhone 16 promotional video that showcased some of the AI features now facing delays. The company has also updated its website with disclaimers, indicating that several promised Siri enhancements have been postponed indefinitely.
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Apple’s Official Stance on Siri AI Delays
So far, Apple has remained relatively quiet on the issue. The company’s only public statement came last week, confirming that “advanced Siri capabilities are taking longer than expected.” However, it did not provide a revised timeline for when users can expect these features to be available.
Internally, Walker assured employees that Apple is committed to shipping the delayed features as soon as they are ready. He also emphasized that Apple would rather ensure quality and reliability than rush out incomplete solutions, even if competitors have already launched similar AI-powered features.
What This Means for iOS 19 and Apple’s AI Strategy
With iOS 19 expected to be announced at WWDC 2025, Apple is under increasing pressure to deliver meaningful improvements to Siri. However, Walker’s remarks suggest that even if Siri’s AI upgrades are included in iOS 19, they may not be fully functional at launch.
This uncertainty raises concerns about Apple’s broader AI strategy. While the company has invested heavily in machine learning and on-device intelligence, it has yet to match the real-world impact of AI-driven assistants like Google Assistant and ChatGPT-powered services. If Apple cannot resolve these issues soon, it risks falling even further behind in the AI race.
Also Read: Amazon Delays Updated Alexa Release Due to Incorrect AI Answers
Looking Ahead: Can Apple Catch Up?
Despite its current challenges, Apple still has the potential to turn things around. The company is known for refining technology over time and delivering polished experiences once features are fully developed. However, given the pace at which AI is evolving, Apple may not have the luxury of taking a slow approach.
For now, customers will have to wait and see whether Apple can meet its iOS 19 deadline for the delayed Siri AI features. In the meantime, the competition continues to push forward, leaving Apple playing catch-up in one of the most critical areas of modern technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will Siri’s delayed AI features be available?
Apple has not provided a confirmed release date, but the goal is to introduce them in iOS 19. However, this is not guaranteed.
2. What AI improvements were promised for Siri?
Apple announced features like better contextual understanding, the ability to take actions based on on-screen information, and deeper app integration.
3. Why is Apple struggling with Siri’s AI development?
Technical limitations, internal conflicts, and resource allocation issues have contributed to the delays. Some features reportedly failed in testing up to 30% of the time.
4. Will these delays affect iOS 19’s release schedule?
No, iOS 19 is expected to be released as planned, but some Siri features may not be available at launch.
5. What does this mean for Apple’s AI strategy?
The delays highlight Apple’s struggles in AI, putting it behind competitors like Google and OpenAI. The company must accelerate development to remain competitive.
6. Has Apple removed any marketing materials due to these delays?
Yes, Apple pulled an iPhone 16 ad that showcased AI features now facing delays and added disclaimers to its website about postponed Siri enhancements.
7. Who is responsible for Siri’s AI development?
The Siri team is led by senior director Robby Walker, while Apple’s AI strategy is overseen by software chief Craig Federighi and AI head John Giannandrea.
8. How do these delays compare to Apple’s competitors?
Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI have launched advanced AI assistants, putting pressure on Apple to deliver similar capabilities.
9. Will Apple release incomplete features to compete with rivals?
No, Apple has stated it will not launch AI features until they meet its quality standards, even if competitors release less polished versions first.
10. Can Apple still catch up in AI development?
Yes, Apple has the resources and expertise to improve Siri, but it must act quickly to avoid falling further behind in the AI space.