Apple’s highly anticipated, intelligent version of Siri will not be arriving this year, a disappointment underscored by industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s critique of the company’s response to the delay. Kuo emphasizes that Apple should have confronted its audience directly instead of opting for a standard press statement, suggesting that a more transparent communication strategy would have been appropriate. Kuo draws a parallel to the infamous “Antennagate” incident in 2010 when the iPhone 4 faced connectivity issues.
During that crisis, Steve Jobs took the initiative to personally address customer concerns through emails and held a press conference to provide solutions. His decision to offer free bumpers and allow returns showcased a commitment to transparency that resonated with consumers. In Kuo’s view, Tim Cook should have embraced a similar approach when addressing the setbacks regarding Siri’s AI features.
While he acknowledges the complexities involved in developing advanced technology, Kuo suggests that Apple’s decision to announce the new capabilities prematurely was likely influenced by pressure from stakeholders amidst the rising global interest in artificial intelligence. Currently, the rollout for the upgraded Siri has been postponed until 2026, a significant delay for a feature initially expected to revolutionize user interaction with iPhones. Kuo’s insight hints at a need for Apple to communicate openly about the situation, just as Jobs did during the Antennagate episode.
While competitors like Samsung and Google are making strides in AI, Kuo stresses that Apple uniquely set high expectations for Siri, thus warranting a candid response from leadership regarding its shortcomings. In light of the current circumstances, consumers should not anticipate a return option for the iPhone 16 due to the unmet Siri features.