Title: Apple Intelligence and Siri: A Vision with Potential Still Under Development
In June 2023, Apple introduced its ambitious AI initiative, Apple Intelligence, at its WWDC keynote. Aimed at enhancing the contextual capabilities of iPhones, iPads, and Macs, Apple Intelligence aspired to transform user-device interactions. Central to this initiative was an updated Siri—capable of grasping context, summarizing notifications, creating personalized emojis (Genmojis), and recalling previous conversations and shared content from friends.
However, almost a year after its announcement, Apple Intelligence continues to feel like it’s in progress. Despite some encouraging features, the platform has encountered setbacks, limited language availability, and a noticeable lack of enhancements in everyday usage.
Language Challenges and Feature Absence
One of the most annoying challenges for users has been the varying levels of language support. For instance, when a user changed their iPhone’s language to Italian, features of Apple Intelligence—including the new Siri animation—vanished completely. This is puzzling, given that Apple Intelligence officially supports multiple languages, including Brazilian Portuguese.
This inconsistency implies that Apple’s AI framework may not yet be fully fine-tuned for multilingual capabilities. For users learning new languages or preferring their devices in their first language, this can be a significant drawback.
Postponed Features and Unfulfilled Expectations
Perhaps the biggest disappointment for Apple Intelligence is the indefinite deferment of its most eagerly awaited feature: on-screen awareness for Siri. Initially scheduled for launch with iOS 18.4, this feature was supposed to enable Siri to comprehend and engage with content on the screen—allowing for commands like, “Siri, what was the podcast my friend sent me recently?”
Regrettably, Apple has now delayed this capability until at least 2026. This postponement is especially disheartening, considering Apple heavily advertised this feature during its WWDC 2024 keynote. Subsequent reports revealed that Apple barely had a functioning prototype of the AI-driven Siri at the time of the announcement, raising doubts about the company’s preparedness to compete in the rapidly advancing AI landscape.
An Incomplete Experience
For numerous users, the current Apple Intelligence offering feels lacking. While tools like Writing Tools and Genmojis are accessible, they remain underutilized. Summarize Notifications, another promoted feature, often goes unrecognized. Without the visual cues or smooth integration users anticipate from Apple, these tools fail to create a significant impact on daily device engagement.
Furthermore, Siri continues to struggle with basic functions, raising questions about Apple’s capability to deliver a truly intelligent assistant. In contrast, third-party AI solutions like ChatGPT are gaining traction, providing more dependable and versatile features. Some users even report that incorporating ChatGPT into their routines has made their iPads feel more like actual computers—something Apple Intelligence has yet to accomplish.
Looking Forward: WWDC 2025 as a Crucial Moment
With no substantial updates anticipated before WWDC 2025, Apple now faces increasing pressure to fulfill its AI commitments. The tech industry is advancing rapidly, with competitors like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI pushing the frontiers of AI capabilities. If Apple fails to showcase a compelling and fully operational version of Apple Intelligence by next June, it risks falling even further behind in the AI competition.
Apple has long been recognized for its capacity to refine and enhance technologies before introducing them to the public. However, regarding Apple Intelligence, the company may have acted prematurely. The vision exists, but the execution is insufficient.
Conclusion
Apple Intelligence was launched amid considerable excitement, promising to transform the user experience with smarter, more intuitive AI features. Yet, almost a year later, the platform remains unfinished, with crucial features delayed and language support uneven. As users gravitate toward more effective AI solutions like ChatGPT, Apple must move quickly to regain its standing.
WWDC 2025 could be Apple’s final opportunity to demonstrate that it can lead in the AI domain. Until then, users will continue to wait—and wish—that Siri and Apple Intelligence can ultimately reach their potential.
