Apple Defends AI-Powered Siri Progress and Long-Term Vision

At Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 25), executives addressed concerns about the AI-powered Siri demo showcased the previous year. Despite the demo’s impressive capabilities, the technology has yet to ship, leading some to question whether it was merely vaporware. Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, Craig Federighi, firmly denied this, emphasizing that the demo featured real working software powered by a large language model and semantic search.

Federighi explained that Apple initially demonstrated the first version of the AI architecture for Siri at WWDC 24. However, as development progressed, it became clear that a second, more advanced version was necessary to meet customer expectations. This improved version is now planned for release in 2026.

Apple’s executives pushed back against the narrative that the demo was merely “demoware.” Greg Joswiak, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, noted that the software was initially expected to ship later in 2024 but was delayed due to an unacceptable error rate that could disappoint users.

Rather than rushing to release a chatbot to compete with offerings like ChatGPT, Apple’s strategy focuses on embedding intelligence deeply across its operating systems. Federighi described this approach as “meet you where you are,” aiming to integrate AI seamlessly into user experiences rather than funneling users into isolated chat interfaces.

The company’s broader goal is to equip developers with tools to leverage Apple’s foundation models, enabling the creation of more intelligent and context-aware applications. This long-term vision reflects Apple’s belief that AI will be a transformational wave impacting technology and society for decades.

Why Apple’s Patient Approach to AI Matters

Apple’s decision to delay the launch of its AI-powered Siri highlights a commitment to quality and user experience over speed. In an industry often driven by the pressure to be first, Apple’s approach underscores the importance of delivering reliable, well-integrated AI solutions that truly enhance daily interactions.

This philosophy resonates beyond Apple, offering a valuable lesson for developers and businesses: AI integration should prioritize meaningful impact and seamless user experiences rather than chasing hype or quick wins.

Empowering Developers with AI Tools

Apple’s focus on providing developers access to foundation models signals a shift toward more intelligent app ecosystems. By enabling developers to build AI-powered features directly into their apps, Apple is fostering innovation that can adapt to user needs in real time.

This approach not only enhances app capabilities but also aligns with Apple’s vision of AI as a pervasive, integrated force rather than a standalone product. It invites developers to rethink how intelligence can be woven into everyday technology.