I am just as disappointed as the next tech enthusiast about the recent news that Apple has pushed back the release dates of some of the more advanced features of Apple Intelligence. The deeper integration with Siri and apps is going to make a real difference in how we use our devices — especially if and when it can integrate with platform features like Continuity.
I do think that many have overlooked one thing in their commentary when reporting on this story. It is routine to the point of cliché to note that this is evidence of how far behind OpenAI, Google, Grammarly, and Anthropic Apple is.
The problem, I think, is that the comparison isn't parallel. The Apple Intelligence-powered Siri being described by Apple isn't Generative AI, which is what ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude currently are.
Apple has delayed the launch of something closer to on-device Agentic AI.
Don't misunderstand me. I know Apple's current AI offerings are less robust than the other players in this space — especially when looking at the more "gee whiz" use cases (although I believe Apple Intelligence is currently the superior proofreader and editor).
But if they can get to Agentic AI before others do, they will leapfrog over them in the utility space by deploying a tool that infers where to find what you want without your intervention.
Apple, I submit, isn't so much behind as they are playing a different game — a game they have played before. Because if Apple can deploy an Agentic AI Siri, AI becomes a feature rather than a product.