Apple's crumbling AI division casts doubt over the future of Siri

The new Siri is expected to be released next year, however, it’s not clear whether that's enough time for the company to pull itself together for an ongoing AI race.

Apple had two fall launches this year, releasing the new iPhone 17 series lineup as well as the Macbook Pro and iPad Pro, both powered by the M5 chip. However, those more interested in the company’s AI breakthroughs will have to wait until next year, when Apple should release its revamped Siri voice assistant.

However, in his newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman shares that while Apple’s latest smartphone lineup, the iPhone 17, has been selling well, it’s only a matter of months before this might change, as more users begin to factor AI into their buying decisions. This is when Apple might face real problems with its underdeveloped AI.

Apple’s AI in trouble?

Gurman explains that the company is facing an internal problem related to its AI division. When the issues with Siri started, the company used third-party models to fix them, and those responsible for the development of Apple’s AI started leaving the company.

The Apple Foundation Model, created to focus on its AI models, has already lost a team lead and around twelve researchers.

It’s also been reported that Ke Yang, the head of Apple’s Answers, Knowledge and Information team, which was formed to work on a new system that would boost Siri, left the company.

Gurman believes that more resignations will follow, especially if the release of the new Siri isn’t successful.

This comes as users testing iOS 26.4, the Apple OS that includes a revamped Siri, have raised concerns about its voice assistant.

Apple and its second hardware fall launch

At the beginning of September, Apple released its much-awaited iPhone 17 series, with the latest addition, the iPhone 17 Air.

The company presented its latest smartphones and wearables during an “Awe-Dropping” event. Soon after, it also released the newly named iOS 26 software.

However, the release of the company’s new MacBook Pro and iPad Pro, both powered by M5 chip, was much quieter. The company announced the new devices via a press release.

Unlock more exclusive Cybernews content on YouTube.