John Ternus

Apple has spent the past two years answering one question: is it behind on AI? New CEO John Ternus now has his answer, and it isn’t an apology. In a recent interview with Wired’s Steven Levy, he defended Apple’s approach and explained how the company thinks about artificial intelligence. Quick Facts Why Apple Is Often Called Behind Critics have long described Apple as lagging in AI, especially after it delayed a more powerful version of Siri. That upgraded Siri finally launched this summer. TechCrunch has also covered the release as somewhat anticlimactic, which fueled the argument that Apple trails rivals. What Ternus Said Ternus, a longtime Apple executive, acknowledged that everyone has an opinion about Apple’s AI position. He said he is happy with where the company stands. He also confirmed that Apple will absolutely use AI in new products, but made one thing clear: “We don’t want to ship AI for AI’s sake.” The “Invisible AI” Philosophy According to Ternus, when Apple gets AI right, people shouldn’t have to wonder whether AI or traditional software made something work. What matters is whether the company built something customers truly love. That fits Apple’s long-standing approach of focusing on user experience over technology buzzwords. Will AI Agents Make Apps Obsolete? Levy asked whether AI agents could eventually make apps unnecessary and shake up Apple’s ecosystem. Ternus said that could make life very easy, but added that creating products is a deeply human, personal process that Apple loves doing. He didn’t say agents would replace apps, and he didn’t rule out major changes either. What This Means for Apple Users For iPhone, iPad and Mac owners, the message is that Apple’s AI features will likely arrive when the company believes they work smoothly, not before. That approach may mean slower rollouts than competitors, but fewer half-finished tools. What It Means for the AI Race Apple’s rivals have pushed new chatbots, assistants and agents to market quickly. Ternus is signaling that Apple won’t compete on speed alone. Whether that bet pays off will depend on how well its next AI features land with everyday users. What Fans and Analysts Are Asking Who is Apple’s CEO? John Ternus, who took over at the beginning of September. Did Apple release a new Siri? Yes, a more powerful version launched this summer after delays. Is Apple adding AI to its products? Ternus says it absolutely is. Does Apple think agents will replace apps? He didn’t say so, only that agents could make life easier. What to Watch Next Look for new AI features in upcoming Apple software and hardware, further comments from Ternus and how Apple’s AI strategy shapes its next product launches. Source: TechCrunch