APPLE
Tim Cook finally admits what we’ve all been thinking
In a rare all-hands meeting, Apple CEO Tim Cook told staff that the AI shift is “as big or bigger” than the internet or smartphones, and Apple isn’t planning to sit it out.
He acknowledged that Apple has rarely been first to market with new tech, but said the company has a track record of getting it right eventually.
From his point of view, AI is no different: “Apple must do this. Apple will do this.”
Software chief Craig Federighi also explained why the planned Siri upgrade was delayed.
A few key points:
Siri’s upgrade was delayed after Apple changed direction on its tech approach.
Cook sees AI as a must-win moment, not just a trend.
Apple may make acquisitions to catch up faster.
Siri, sit this one out
The team had been building a hybrid system that combined the current Siri with new large language models, but it didn’t meet Apple’s usual standards.
So they’ve scrapped it and are now rebuilding everything on a new foundation.
The meeting came just after Cook said the company is open to acquisitions to speed up progress.
Meanwhile, some Apple AI staff have been poached by Meta as part of its big hiring spree.
I won’t pretend Siri’s flop era didn’t happen, Tim.