Apple Struggles in the AI Race: iOS 19 May Fail to Bring a Breakthrough

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Technology Insights Daily
March 11, 2025

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Apple's efforts to enhance Siri with advanced AI capabilities have encountered significant delays. The company initially planned to introduce a more conversational version of Siri, powered by large language models (LLMs), in iOS 19.4. However, development setbacks have postponed this release, with expectations now shifting to iOS 20, potentially arriving in 2027. ​

In the interim, Apple plans to roll out an LLM-powered Siri upgrade in iOS 18.5. This version will operate separately from the existing Siri framework and may not function seamlessly. ​

These delays highlight challenges within Apple's AI development, including equipment shortages, internal leadership issues, and staff departures to competitors. Consequently, Apple risks lagging behind rivals in the rapidly advancing AI landscape. ​

Despite these setbacks, Apple remains committed to integrating advanced AI into its products, aiming to provide users with a more natural and context-aware Siri experience in future updates.

​Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has announced an additional $100 billion investment to expand its U.S. semiconductor manufacturing facilities over the next four years. This plan includes constructing five new chip fabrication plants in Arizona, supplementing the company's previous commitment of $65 billion for three factories in the state. ​

The expansion aims to bolster domestic semiconductor production, creating an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 high-paying jobs. This move aligns with U.S. efforts to reduce reliance on foreign-made chips and strengthen national security. ​

However, the announcement comes amid potential policy shifts, as President Donald Trump has proposed repealing the CHIPS and Science Act, a $52 billion program designed to incentivize domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Trump suggests that tariffs could more effectively encourage onshore production without substantial tax credits. Despite these uncertainties, TSMC's significant investment underscores its commitment to expanding its U.S. presence and mitigating geopolitical risks associated with a concentrated manufacturing base. ​

This development reflects a broader trend of semiconductor companies increasing U.S. production capabilities in response to global supply chain challenges and geopolitical tensions. ​

​In a recent internal memo, Google co-founder Sergey Brin urged employees, particularly those involved in the company's Gemini AI projects, to adopt a 60-hour workweek and maintain a five-day in-office presence. He described 60 hours per week as the "sweet spot of productivity," cautioning that working less could be unproductive and demoralizing to others, while exceeding this threshold might lead to burnout. ​

Brin emphasized the need to "turbocharge" efforts to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving field of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), where Google faces stiff competition from companies like OpenAI and Microsoft. ​

This directive contrasts with Google's existing hybrid work policy, which requires employees to be in the office at least three days a week. Brin's call for increased in-office presence reflects a broader trend among tech leaders advocating for extended work hours and physical collaboration to enhance productivity and innovation. ​

However, experts caution that longer work hours do not necessarily equate to higher productivity and may increase the risk of employee burnout. They advocate for a balanced approach that considers both organizational goals and employee well-being.

​In the latest iOS 18.4 beta, Apple has introduced seven new emoji as part of the Unicode 16.0 update, enriching the expressive options available to users. The new additions include:​

  • Face with Bags Under Eyes: Depicts a weary or tired expression, useful for conveying exhaustion or stress.​

  • Fingerprint: Represents identity, security, or uniqueness, applicable in contexts related to authentication or individuality.​

  • Leafless Tree: Symbolizes seasons like autumn or winter, or themes of aging and decay.​

  • Root Vegetable: Illustrates vegetables such as carrots or beets, suitable for food-related discussions.​

  • Harp: Depicts the musical instrument, often associated with classical music or Irish culture.​

  • Shovel: Represents digging, construction, or gardening activities.​

  • Splatter: Conveys messiness, creativity, or abstract art.​

These emojis are currently available to developers and public beta testers running iOS 18.4 beta 2. The official public release of iOS 18.4, which will make these emojis accessible to all users, is anticipated in the coming weeks. ​

Apple has officially enabled Visual Intelligence for the iPhone 15 Pro series, bringing advanced AI-powered image recognition to last year’s flagship devices. Previously, this feature was expected to be exclusive to the upcoming iPhone 16 models, but Apple has now extended support to the A17 Pro chip, which powers the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

Visual Intelligence enhances the iPhone’s ability to analyze images, identify objects, extract text, and provide context-aware insights. Users can scan documents, recognize landmarks, detect products, and even translate text in real-time using the Camera app and Photos app.

This update is part of Apple’s broader AI initiative, integrated into iOS 18.4. It enhances accessibility and productivity, making AI-driven tools more widely available to iPhone users.

With on-device processing ensuring privacy and speed, this update makes the iPhone 15 Pro even more powerful. Apple’s decision to backport Visual Intelligence shows its commitment to expanding AI features across more devices.

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