Apple just hit a major AI roadblock, and people inside the company are not happy. The much-hyped upgrade to Siri—the one that was supposed to turn it into a next-gen AI powerhouse—has been delayed again. And this time, even Apple’s own execs are calling it ugly and embarrassing.
The Big Mess: What’s Going On?
Last June, Apple finally entered the AI race with Apple Intelligence, promising a supercharged Siri that could actually keep up with the likes of ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and even Amazon’s Alexa. The idea? Siri would finally get smart enough to understand context, pull information from different apps, and actually be useful instead of just setting timers and telling bad jokes.
But now, Apple has confirmed that those game-changing features are not arriving as planned. Instead of rolling out in early 2025, the company is now saying maybe by the end of next year. And according to Bloomberg, some insiders think it might not be ready until 2026. Yikes.
Why This Delay Is a Huge Deal
Apple isn’t just late to the AI party—it’s showing up without an invitation. Google and Microsoft are already way ahead, rolling out AI features that make Apple’s current offerings look ancient. Even Amazon, which has struggled with Alexa, just announced an AI-powered upgrade.
And Apple’s biggest selling point—its promise of an AI that’s both smart and private—is now in question. The features that have been delivered so far (like custom emojis and ChatGPT integration) are fun, sure, but they’re more of a side dish than the main course.
Apple’s Own Execs Are Panicking
Internally, the delay has triggered chaos. During a company meeting, Robby Walker, the senior director in charge of Siri, admitted that the situation was ugly and embarrassing. Employees are reportedly frustrated and burned out, with some questioning if Apple even has a clear strategy at this point.
Apple has also quietly pulled a 2024 promotional video that showcased the new Siri features—probably because they knew they wouldn’t deliver on time. And let’s be real: if Apple itself doesn’t believe in the hype anymore, why should we?
What’s Next for Apple?
Right now, it’s damage control mode. Apple has brought in longtime exec Kim Vorrath to help fix the mess, and leadership is trying to figure out how to get these AI features out without another embarrassing delay. But with competitors leapfrogging ahead every few months, Apple’s usual “we’ll release it when it’s perfect” approach might not cut it this time.
The big question: Can Apple actually catch up? Or is this the beginning of a slow fade for Siri while the rest of the AI world moves on?
TL;DR:
- Apple promised a massive AI-powered Siri upgrade but just delayed it again.
- Internal execs are calling the situation ugly and embarrassing.
- Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are speeding ahead while Apple struggles to keep up.
- Some employees don’t think Siri’s upgrades will be ready until 2026.
- Apple fans (and investors) are starting to get worried.
So, what do you think? Is this just a temporary setback, or is Siri officially out of the AI race?