Apple has encountered significant obstacles in 2025, yet it is finishing the year positively. Here’s why the company’s momentum is robust as it approaches 2026 and the crucial role Siri may have in maintaining the good times.
## Apple concludes 2025 on a positive note, but AI concerns remain
There has always been a faction insisting that “Apple is doomed.” However, that narrative appeared even more pronounced this year.
AI plays a significant role in this.
This year, Apple postponed its major AI enhancements for Siri, partially disabled a contentious Apple Intelligence feature, and dealt with ongoing pressure from the media and investors to demonstrate its ability to compete in the emerging AI landscape.
The company also encountered substantial threats from US tariffs that could have significantly disrupted its operations.
While it has mostly managed to dodge much impact from tariffs, AI remains a considerable uncertainty.
It’s also the factor on which much of Apple’s 2026 momentum relies.
Despite the very real hurdles of 2025, Apple is entering 2026 with an unexpectedly strong wave of momentum.
All these elements have positioned Apple favorably, yet successful delivery with Siri remains critically important.
## Siri’s triumph or failure could shape Apple’s 2026 storyline
If Siri’s iOS 26.4 redesign launches as anticipated this spring, and functions effectively, Apple suddenly appears to be a frontrunner in AI.
It may lack the same in-house AI capabilities as its rivals, but it boasts the iPhone, iPad, and Mac—products that users are familiar with and cherish. That’s a distinctive advantage.
The company doesn’t need to control Siri’s foundational technology. Provided it offers the type of intelligent AI assistant that users desire, Apple can succeed—at least in the immediate term.
Nonetheless, all this momentum will stall if the new Siri does not perform well.
Apple has postponed Siri’s AI advancements for too long; it needs to deliver something outstanding. Fortunately, with assistance from Google, I am optimistic it will.
In one way or another, Siri’s triumph or failure could significantly influence much of Apple’s 2026 storyline.
