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Apple’s Siri boss admits to ‘ugly’ and embarassing AI delays during all-hands meeting: report

Apple’s Siri boss admits to ‘ugly’ and embarassing AI delays during all-hands meeting: report

  • 17.03.2025 12:52
  • nypost.com
  • Keywords: AI, Apple

Apple’s Siri leader admitted to delays in its AI project during an all-hands meeting, citing bugs and glitches that have caused embarrassment and added to concerns about lagging behind rivals.

Apple ReportsAAPLsentiment_dissatisfied

Estimated market influence

Apple

Apple

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Siri AI delays and bugs have caused embarrassment and potential market share loss.

Big Tech

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Their AI products are perceived as leading, putting pressure on Apple.

Context

Analysis and Summary: Apple’s Siri Delays and Market Implications

Key Admissions

  • Robby Walker (Siri Head) admitted to an "ugly" delay in Apple's AI-powered Siri overhaul.
  • The AI team responsible for the delay might be feeling embarrassed due to the situation.

Delay Details

  • Originally targeted: Spring 2024 release.
  • New timeline: Delayed until at least next year (2025).
  • Reasons: Bugs, glitches, and poor performance (up to 33% incorrect responses).

Market Impact

  • Stock Performance: Apple shares down 13% YTD, aligning with broader market turmoil affecting Big Tech.
  • Investor Sentiment: Reflects concerns about Apple’s AI progress compared to competitors.

Strategic Challenges

  • Overpromised Features: Siri's AI was heavily promoted in TV commercials and marketing before the product was ready.
  • Public Scrutiny: Issues emerged after initial rollout, including erroneous AI-generated summaries from reputable sources like The Washington Post and BBC.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Lagging Behind Rivals: Apple’s AI efforts face delays while competitors (e.g., Google, Amazon) continue to advance.
  • Employee Morale: Walker acknowledged team burnout and potential embarrassment among employees.

Long-Term Effects

  • Strategic Importance: Siri’s AI overhaul is critical to Apple’s "Apple Intelligence" strategy, described by Tim Cook as a “game-changer.”
  • Potential Risks: Delay could undermine investor confidence and market position in the AI race.

Regulatory Considerations

  • No direct mention of regulatory impacts, but delays may raise questions about oversight if issues persist.

Conclusion

The delay highlights challenges in Apple’s AI strategy, with implications for its competitive edge, stock performance, and employee morale. While Walker praised the team’s efforts, the delay underscores the risks of overpromising and underdelivering in AI development.