Tech Report: Apple faces AI scrutiny as developer conference kicks off
(LILAMAX)- Apple’s highly anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) begins today, but the tech giant enters this year’s event under pressure to prove it can keep pace in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) landscape.
Critics say Apple Intelligence is falling behind rivals like Google, Microsoft, and Meta. The company’s AI offerings have been described as underwhelming, and a major update to Siri—Apple’s voice assistant—has been delayed, fueling frustration among customers.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. A new report from Kinsta highlights growing consumer skepticism about AI’s ability to handle complex or high-stakes situations. While users see value in AI for basic, repetitive tasks, a staggering 93% still prefer speaking to a human. Nearly 9 out of 10 respondents believe companies should always offer a human interaction option.
Meanwhile, Apple’s competitors are forging ahead. Meta is reportedly considering a $10 billion investment in AI startup Scale AI, according to Bloomberg. If finalized, it would be Meta’s largest external AI investment to date—and one of the largest private investments on record. The move signals Meta’s growing interest in defense technology, following a new partnership with Anduril Industries to develop military-grade AI tools, including a next-gen helmet with virtual and augmented reality capabilities.
Elsewhere in the tech world, Amazon is tightening its belt. The e-commerce giant froze its hiring budget for its retail division just one day after cutting jobs in its books department. An internal email reviewed by Business Insider shows Amazon plans to keep salaries and stock-based compensation flat for 2025.
As Apple takes the stage at WWDC, the company not only faces pressure to roll out compelling new tools—but also to reassure users and developers that it can remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven market.
