Too Early To Penalize Apple For Siri Delay

Apple’s stock price dropped this week with headlines and analysis “penalizing” Apple for delays in Siri updates (okay, and the tariff thing). Here’s why I wouldn’t worry:

1. Virtual assistants depend on consumer data of the right kind (e.g., health, finances, media consumption) to be truly valuable. Consumers also must trust the entities that hold this data. Apple has this data = trust for some of the world’s most affluent consumers. 
   

2. Voice is one of many touch points consumers have to access information and services. There is not a scenario in our future where we do EVERYTHING with conversations let alone voice. It’s an element of an experience or interface. 
   

3. It isn’t clear how much consumers care about AI or are what they might be willing to pay for different use cases. Consumer needs lie closer to convenience, entertainment, education, etc. once you are past the basics (e.g., clean air, water, food, healthcare, shelter, etc.) Consumers will want what it does - eventually. 
   

4. We don’t seem to be close to finding the killer AI apps for consumers whether they are generative, agentic, or physical. The killer apps will not be help with writing, summarizing text messages, or generating content - probably. Also won't be a robot emptying my dishwasher. There is still time for Apple or anyone else to enter this space.