Apple at WWDC: Fixing Flaws Before AI Breakthrough

At the opening of WWDC, Apple took an unusual approach: instead of making grand AI announcements, Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, began by listing fixes for iOS and macOS. This was a direct response to years of criticism, from the flawed Liquid Glass design to issues with search and file sharing. Apple effectively admitted that without a reliable foundation, integrating innovations like AI would be challenging.

Key improvements included the return of customizable interface transparency, a 30% faster app launch time, and an 80% speed boost for AirDrop file transfers. Apple also addressed long-awaited details, such as seamless Wi-Fi-to-cellular transitions, message delay indicators, and a revamped Mail search. Special attention was given to users with older devices, with enhancements extending to the iPhone 11, released in 2019.

The AI-powered Siri was presented as part of a broader strategy rather than a standalone breakthrough. The feature will launch in beta later this year but will not be available in the EU or China due to regulatory restrictions. Other AI capabilities include image generation, smart suggestions in Messages, and automatic event creation in Calendar. However, many of these features have long been available from competitors, highlighting Apple’s efforts to catch up with market leaders.