The head of Apple’s Siri division has expressed significant concern regarding delays to critical features of the virtual assistant, describing the situation as both embarrassing and difficult for the team. Robby Walker, a senior director at the company, addressed employees during an all-hands meeting, acknowledging the current struggles the Siri team is experiencing.
Walker revealed that the timeline for the launch of these enhancements remains uncertain, according to attendees who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the meeting. His remarks highlighted the intensifying challenges Apple faces in the artificial intelligence sector, particularly as the company seeks to compete with more advanced systems offered by rival tech firms.
Last week, Apple publicly confirmed that it would delay the introduction of several vital features, prompting concerns that Siri has become emblematic of the company’s difficulties in AI. Walker indicated that the delays have likely left employees feeling frustrated and disappointed, as the team had been working diligently to meet an expected launch timeframe in the spring, only to push the launch window back to next year.
Nevertheless, Walker commended the team for the “incredibly impressive” developments made thus far and reaffirmed Apple’s commitment to delivering an exceptional virtual assistant experience to consumers.
In terms of market performance, Apple shares have seen a decline of 16% this year, amid a broader downturn affecting technology stocks. On Friday, the stock saw a slight rebound, rising by 1.4% to $212.58.
Earlier reports indicated that Apple was grappling with software bugs and engineering challenges related to Siri’s upcoming AI capabilities, leading to a postponement of their initial introduction from April to May, with the hope of integrating them into the iOS 18.5 operating system. Currently, these features may not be available until the iOS 19 cycle in the following year.
Apple declined to comment on details from the internal meeting, which was scheduled last week.
The new features, first showcased during last June’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), are essential for enhancing Siri’s capabilities as a personal assistant. They include utilizing user data to improve responses to requests and allowing for more accurate app control and content analysis.
Despite the initial demonstration at WWDC, which involved a prototype in need of further development, Walker acknowledged the dissatisfaction stemming from the premature public reveal of these features. He pointed out that whereas the company hoped to announce finalized capabilities later, the early showcase highlighted the inadequacies of the current offerings.
Walker also noted the marketing department’s eagerness to promote the enhancements before they were fully functional, further complicating the situation as the new features were highlighted in advertising campaigns, including for the iPhone 16 series, which offered few other significant changes.
Although Apple is targeting a release with iOS 19, Walker tempered expectations about sticking to this schedule. He stated that the team faces competing priorities that must also be addressed, which could impact the timing of when the delayed features will be available.
“We are committed to delivering these features, but they must meet the high standards we set,” Walker emphasized. “We want to ensure a well-rounded experience for users and provide a Siri they can depend on.” Various decisions about timelines and project priorities will be made as development progresses.
Walker also mentioned a shared commitment to addressing the AI challenges at Apple, with special attention from top leaders, including John Giannandrea, head of AI, and software chief Craig Federighi.
Internally, there are no immediate plans to terminate senior executives in response to these challenges, although discussions are underway about potential management restructuring to support recovery efforts. Longtime Apple executive Kim Vorrath has already been tasked with addressing project obstacles.
The decision to delay the features came after quality control issues were identified, with the technology reportedly functioning correctly only 65% to 80% of the time. Walker stated that improvements in reliability are essential to ensure users receive a dependable product.
Concerns regarding the readiness of these features prompted approval for the delay, particularly from Federighi, who voiced apprehension about the performance of the evolving tools during development.
During the meeting, Walker encouraged his team, acknowledging their hard work and dedication to the project. “So many devoted countless hours to this initiative,” he remarked, as he displayed examples showcasing the technology’s capabilities, including successful voice commands and task manipulation.
Walker assured the team that, despite the setbacks, they should take pride in the innovative steps taken toward enhancing Siri, including the integration of a Type-to-Siri interface and better overall customer understanding.
Looking ahead, Apple is preparing to introduce its AI capabilities in several new languages and is engaged in partnerships with Alibaba Group and Baidu to enhance features in China.
While some employees may find relief in the decision to postpone the launch, others may experience embarrassment or frustration over their inability to provide updates on the expected enhancements.
Walker highlighted the importance of avoiding further setbacks, emphasizing the integration of existing features and the need for a well-strategized rollout for the upcoming iOS 19 release.
Concluding the meeting on a hopeful note, he assured the team of Apple’s ambition to produce “the world’s greatest virtual assistant.” However, he noted that significant work remains to modernize the platform and a more conversational Siri is still in the long-term planning stages for 2027.
Walker stressed the importance of continued learning and adaptation within the team, stating that they would implement necessary changes to ensure improved outcomes as they move forward.
