Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) is facing mounting scrutiny after delaying the release of its highly anticipated advanced Siri features, a move that could have long-term implications beyond slowing iPhone 16 sales. According to John Gruber, a well-known Apple blogger and long-time observer of the company, the real issue isn’t just product delays—it’s the damage to Apple’s credibility.
Siri Delay Prompts Bigger Questions About Apple’s Direction
At the WWDC event in June 2024, Apple showcased next-generation Siri capabilities, presenting them as a central feature of the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup. These enhancements were heavily promoted, with Apple claiming that the new AI-driven personal assistant would offer faster, more intelligent, and context-aware interactions, positioning Siri as a major differentiator in a competitive smartphone market.
However, Apple has now acknowledged delays, pushing back the rollout of these Siri features until sometime in 2026, leaving customers and analysts questioning the company’s roadmap.
Gruber: Apple “Squandered” Its Credibility
In a recent blog post, John Gruber argued that Apple has “squandered” its credibility by heavily advertising Siri capabilities that weren’t anywhere near ready for public use. For Gruber—who has been covering Apple for over two decades and is often seen as an admirer of the company—this is a significant shift in tone.
“Apple touted advanced Siri as a key selling point of the iPhone 16, but those features are nowhere near ready. This undermines consumer trust,” Gruber wrote.
According to him, Apple’s historical reputation for delivering polished, reliable experiences has been called into question. While delays and product revisions are common in the tech world, Gruber emphasized that Apple built its brand on delivering what it promised—on time and in full working order.
Potential Impact on iPhone Sales and Customer Loyalty
While analysts have already warned that the delayed Siri rollout could lead to slower iPhone 16 sales, Gruber believes the reputational damage could have a longer-term impact. Customers may become more hesitant to trust Apple’s product claims, potentially waiting to upgrade devices only after features are fully released and vetted.
In a smartphone market that is already saturated and highly competitive, Apple’s failure to deliver on a headline feature could risk losing momentum to rivals like Samsung and Google, both of which are aggressively marketing their AI-driven assistants and smartphone ecosystems.
A Problem Bigger Than Tariffs or Economic Slowdowns?
Gruber’s post suggests that this credibility gap is a problem even bigger than the macroeconomic headwinds Apple faces, including tariffs on China-manufactured goods or a global consumer spending slowdown.
“Apple has weathered tariffs and economic slumps before. But if customers stop believing Apple’s promises, that’s a much deeper wound,” Gruber cautioned.
Apple Stock Rises Despite Concerns
Interestingly, despite the controversy, Apple shares (AAPL) closed 1.82% higher on Friday, indicating that investors remain cautiously optimistic. However, many will be watching closely to see whether and whether Apple can restore trust in its product roadmap.
Apple has consistently built its empire on trust and reliability. As Gruber’s warning makes clear, protecting that reputation may now be the company’s most pressing challenge.
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