Why Is Apple Lagging in AI Development?

Apple's Progress Is Stalling Year Over Year

According to Bloomberg, the AI-enhanced version of Siri is slated for release with the iOS 26.4 update in spring 2026. This implies that at the upcoming product launch event, the AI iteration of Siri will be absent, and it won't be part of the iPhone 17 lineup either. Upon hearing this news, numerous Apple users voiced their extreme disappointment, feeling that their trust in the brand is being steadily eroded.

Initially, Apple made a splash with its announcement of 'Apple Intelligence,' raising expectations for substantial capabilities. However, the actual features that have been rolled out are quite limited. Problems include text summaries that miss the mark, a lack of cross-app functionality, and frequent instances of 'disconnection.' When compared to rivals like Google and OpenAI, Apple is clearly falling behind.

Although Apple has teamed up with OpenAI to allow Siri to tap into ChatGPT's capabilities in specific scenarios, during WWDC25, it was revealed that the AI-driven upgrade for Siri had been postponed due to quality concerns.

Officially, it was claimed that the upgrade didn't meet Apple's stringent standards, but in truth, it was plagued by technical issues.

Image Source: Xiaohongshu

In iOS 18, Siri's core system is mainly split into two segments to handle routine tasks within the existing framework. This encompasses operations we frequently perform, such as setting alarms, making calls, and initiating countdowns. If the new Siri features were to be built on a more advanced system platform, integrating the two would likely result in glitches, necessitating a complete overhaul of Siri—a monumental task.

Moreover, the increasingly cumbersome iOS in recent years, coupled with a plethora of system bugs and Apple's lagging position in AI development, has put the company under dual pressure from a loss of credibility and investor dissatisfaction.

To tackle these technical hurdles, Apple has even replaced the head of its AI team, with Mike Rockwell, a key player from the Apple Vision Pro team, stepping in. However, whether the launch can proceed as scheduled remains up in the air.

Image Source: Internet

Looking back, Apple was once a formidable force at the forefront of the AI landscape. It boasted substantial financial resources, a robust ecosystem, and even Siri, which predates ChatGPT by over a decade. Its impressive debut once showcased to the world the boundless potential of voice assistants. Initially tipped to be a leader, Apple now appears to be losing ground in the AI race.

In recent years, AI has been a recurring theme at major tech events. Companies like Google and Microsoft have been in a frenzy to unveil new AI products and features, while Apple has remained stagnant. This echoes what netizens have been saying: 'While the world is sprinting ahead in AI, Apple is preoccupied with UI.' Everyone was eagerly awaiting a pleasant surprise from the AI version of Siri, only to be let down once again.

Image Source: Xiaohongshu

Therefore, the highlight of Apple's upcoming product launch event won't be the absent AI version of Siri but rather the introduction of the iPhone 17 and iOS 26. Although the new system incorporates several AI elements, most of them are centered around updates and incremental improvements.

Features such as real-time translation, intelligent recognition of camera scenes, answering questions based on screenshots, and more natural cross-language communication will be included. The new 'liquid glass' interface style might also take center stage. Overall, AI will be present, but not in the form of a 'completely revamped Siri.'

Image Source: X

For Apple to reclaim its leading position in the AI race, it might be asking too much. However, speeding up its pace and delivering on its promise of an AI-powered Siri sooner is still within the realm of possibility. After all, Apple can't rely on its legacy for much longer. For Apple users, patience will be key to getting a smarter, more intuitive Siri.

So, do you think Apple can roll out the AI version of Siri next year?

From September 5th to 9th, the world's largest home appliance and consumer electronics show, IFA2025, kicked off in Berlin.

Chinese tech giants such as Lenovo, Hisense, TCL, Midea, Changhong, Haier, Timekettle, Future Intelligence, Anker, UGREEN, Narwal, Dreame, MOVA, Tineco, Insta360, DJI, Windcook, Tuya, Laifen, INMO, and Rokid gathered in Berlin to showcase China's cutting-edge AI technologies to the world.

The Leikeji IFA2025 reporting team is already on-site, providing comprehensive coverage of the latest trends in AI hardware technologies, especially the performance of Chinese brands at this world-class event. Stay tuned!