Apple has recently faced heavy criticism for its AI efforts, following a delayed launch of its new AI-powered Siri and unhelpful features like text message summaries. Many tech and financial analysts have questioned Apple’s approach to AI, with some arguing that the company is struggling to make any significant impact in this space. While the critique is partially justified, it misses the bigger issue surrounding the AI hype.
Like every other major tech company, Apple is racing to incorporate AI into its products. But the question remains: What specific problem is AI solving? So far, the answer has been unclear. Consumers are not demanding AI in their devices, and Apple’s early AI advertising campaign was met with backlash so severe that the company had to withdraw the commercial. The real driving force behind Apple’s AI push is Wall Street. Investors are clamoring for a “super cycle” — a groundbreaking product or feature that will trigger a surge in consumer demand. In a bid to please shareholders, Apple has stumbled in its rush to innovate.
This mishap has contributed to a narrative that Apple is lagging behind in AI development. However, this narrative oversimplifies the situation and misses the bigger picture. The true issue lies not in Apple’s AI shortcomings but in the broader limitations of AI technology itself.
Tech columnists, like Kevin Roose from The New York Times, have argued that Apple has failed AI rather than the other way around. Roose suggests that Apple should be more comfortable with the imperfections of AI products, allowing for trial and error in its development. But this viewpoint is flawed. Apple has long been known for its meticulous design and attention to detail, which has made it a trusted brand globally. The company’s reputation for privacy and user-friendliness has built a loyal customer base that values reliable, seamless experiences. Asking consumers to embrace AI’s current limitations — such as errors and unpolished features — undermines the very values that Apple has built its brand on.
AI, especially generative AI, remains in its experimental phase. It has yet to prove itself as a practical, everyday tool. Companies like Google and Amazon haven’t seen widespread success with AI products that drive consumers to rush out and buy new devices. As Casey Newton of Hard Fork points out, AI is still more of a science story than a consumer product. While AI models are fascinating from a research perspective, they often fall short of meeting consumer needs in real-world applications.
Apple’s vision for an AI-enhanced Siri, which could seamlessly scan emails and messages to provide accurate answers, sounds promising. However, if Siri’s AI isn’t 100% accurate, even minor errors could lead to significant issues. For example, an AI that mistakenly provides the wrong flight information could leave a customer stranded at the airport, creating frustration rather than convenience. Until AI technology reaches a level of reliability, it risks disappointing users.
Ultimately, the problem isn’t that Apple is failing AI — it’s that AI itself is still evolving. Until AI can reliably solve real-world problems, integrating it into everyday products is premature. Apple’s cautious approach may ultimately be the right one, prioritizing the user experience over hasty, unpolished innovation. As AI advances, it’s essential for companies like Apple to ensure that new technologies meet the high standards their customers expect.
