We all know Siri was once ground-breaking, but it quickly fell behind competing platforms, particularly when AI really took off. After a long wait and a widely reported partnership with Google Gemini, Apple Intelligence is finally rolling out. As someone who relies on Gemini for daily tasks, I was curious to see if Siri AI could hold its own for general queries and information. I signed up for the last public beta which is the release candidate.
My initial thoughts are not good. I am disappointed and in truth, this update doesn’t deliver. For expensive iPhone hardware, we deserve better after such a long wait.
There is a new Siri AI app for text conversations alongside the usual voice controls, but the interface is plain and bland in its black and grey color scheme. It lacks some of the functions competing apps offer. In truth, it looks depressing and does not have an easy user interface like Gemini or Chat GPT.
When sending general queries by text, responses are often far too concise. Whereas other models provide thorough, well-rounded answers, Siri AI feels stuck in a permanent précis mode. It also errors and does not understand commands a lot.
New Siri AI also comes across as heavily guarded. When I pushed it with questions about its underlying tech, it defaulted to rigid, corporate scripting templates that refused to adapt to humor or conversational nuance. While Siri handles basic ecosystem tasks well, it lacks personality and flexibility.
That said, it does have clear strengths when tied directly to the device that competing AI cannot offer:
Shortcuts – I used Siri to build a shortcut for toggling WiFi based on my location, and it worked instantly. Tasks that used to take a while now execute in seconds.
iMessage – Getting quick assistance to draft or refine replies within messages is seamless.
Onscreen Awareness – Useful for getting a quick conceptual understanding of what is currently on your display.
Photos – Handy for basic image management and surfacing memories, though still limited compared to dedicated editing tools. The tools that were introduced two years ago have been enhanced and you can even alter the angle of a photo after it is now taken.
Ultimately, Siri AI serves a distinct purpose: it is great for managing phone workflows, opening apps, automating shortcuts, and analyzing on-screen data. But because it is tied down by Apple’s strict guardrails, it isn’t going to replace more powerful, flexible AI models for day-to-day heavy lifting. It is an improvement, but users accustomed to more capable tools will likely still find it a step behind.
As a long term Apple user, I do feel a little let down. I purchased the 16 pro with promises of Apple AI reliance and after a long 2 year wait, it’s just okay. I hope that they learn and quickly adapt to enhance Siri AI. Currently, I will be sticking with Gemini for day-to-day help and advice. While unlikely, for the first time in years I am considering whether I should look at Android phones again – perhaps a phone like Google Pixel?!? It is unlikely but I did want to say good things about Siri AI and I have just been so disappointed.
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