AI Letdown Expected at Apple’s WWDC 2025
As Apple approaches its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) from June 9–13, 2025, expectations are tempered by the company’s recent struggles in the artificial intelligence (AI) domain. Despite its vast ecosystem and user base, Apple has faced criticism for delays and underwhelming implementations of its AI initiatives, particularly the Apple Intelligence platform and Siri.
Delayed AI Rollouts and Internal Challenges
Apple’s AI journey began with high hopes following the 2018 hiring of John Giannandrea, former head of AI at Google. However, the rollout of Apple Intelligence features has been sluggish, with many promised functionalities either delayed or lacking in performance. This has led to internal frustrations and external criticisms, especially as competitors like Google and Amazon have made significant strides in AI .
Analysts have noted that the indefinite delay of a major Siri update has contributed to low investor expectations ahead of WWDC. While some speculate about potential enhancements to Apple Intelligence, such as expanded integrations with AI models beyond ChatGPT, these are not anticipated to be major announcements at this year’s conference .
Cautious Approach and Branding Adjustments
In response to previous overpromises, Apple is adopting a more cautious tone for WWDC 2025. The company has refrained from making grandiose claims, instead focusing on delivering incremental updates that enhance ecosystem integration. This shift in messaging aims to rebuild trust with developers and users alike .
Additionally, Apple is reportedly planning a rebranding of its operating systems, moving to a year-based naming convention (e.g., iOS 26) to provide more flexibility for updates and to align with industry practices .
Looking Ahead
While WWDC 2025 may not deliver groundbreaking AI advancements, it presents an opportunity for Apple to demonstrate its commitment to refining and expanding its AI capabilities. Developers and users will be closely watching to see if Apple can turn the page on its AI challenges and lay the groundwork for more significant innovations in the future.
