Engadget podcast hosts are evaluating whether the new Siri AI is actually useful within iOS 27 [1] and macOS Golden Gate [2].
This assessment comes as Apple attempts to pivot its virtual assistant into a viable competitor against other generative AI tools. The success of these updates determines if Apple can maintain its ecosystem dominance as users demand more sophisticated automation and intelligence on their devices.
The discussion centers on features first announced at WWDC 2024 [3]. These updates integrate Siri AI across the mobile and desktop experience, with macOS 27 Golden Gate [2] serving as the next major version of the computer operating system. The hosts are weighing the practical utility of these tools against the high expectations set by Apple's initial announcements.
While Engadget is exploring the positive potential of the AI, other outlets have been less optimistic. Gizmodo said Siri is a terse idiot, suggesting the assistant still lacks the fluidity and intelligence required for complex tasks.
Beyond the software updates, the podcast addresses industry rumors regarding a potential OpenAI AI smart speaker. Such a device would represent a direct challenge to the HomePod and other smart home hardware by bringing a dedicated large language model into a physical home appliance.
Apple's strategy involves blending these AI capabilities into the existing OS layers to ensure a seamless user experience. However, the disparity in reviews suggests that the transition to a fully AI-driven assistant remains inconsistent across different platforms and use cases.
“The episode asks whether Siri AI is actually useful”
The conflicting reports on Siri AI's utility highlight the gap between Apple's marketing and the actual user experience of generative AI. If Apple cannot deliver a consistent, intelligent interface in iOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate, it leaves a strategic opening for OpenAI to enter the hardware market with its own smart speaker, potentially eroding Apple's hold on the smart home ecosystem.
