Four Significant Drawbacks of Apple's New Siri AI
Why users might consider reverting to the classic Siri experience for better reliability.
1Persistent Beta Status Concerns
Despite the official release of iOS 27, the new Siri AI remains technically in beta. While it excels at complex tasks compared to previous iterations, the performance inconsistencies suggest it is not yet ready for daily, reliable use. Many users may find that disabling the feature provides a more stable experience.
2Significant Latency and Cloud Dependency
Siri AI suffers from noticeable delays, often taking twice as long as the previous version for simple commands. The system relies on a hybrid model, requiring cloud server communication for processing. Testing in airplane mode confirms that without an active internet connection, the assistant fails to execute even basic, local-level requests.
3Hardware-Based Feature Segregation
Apple has implemented a tiered system for Siri AI, restricting advanced features to devices with A19 Pro or A20 Pro chips. While the iPhone 15 Pro supports the basic AFM 3 Core, it lacks the AFM 3 Core Advanced model, effectively leaving older supported devices with a second-rate, limited user experience.
4Unreliable Execution of Complex Tasks
The primary selling point of the new Siri is its ability to handle complex requests, yet success remains inconsistent. Users report a coin-flip reliability rate, where identical phrasing produces different outcomes. This unpredictability forces many to perform tasks manually, rendering the AI assistant an inefficient tool for daily productivity and workflows.
5Limited Third-Party App Integration
Siri AI relies on App Intents to access third-party content, but adoption remains sparse. Essential daily apps, including banking and messaging platforms, frequently lack the necessary integration to surface information. Consequently, the AI often fails to summarize work correspondence or provide account balances, limiting its utility to only core Apple applications.
6The Trade-off of Reverting
Disabling Siri AI reverts the device to the older Siri Classic from iOS 17. While this version was previously criticized, it offers superior speed and offline functionality compared to the current AI implementation. This is a binary choice, as disabling it on an iPhone also affects the paired Apple Watch device.
7Platform-Specific Control Options
Users can manage Siri AI settings independently across different devices. While the iPhone and Apple Watch are linked, iPad and Mac users retain the ability to disable the AI features individually. This flexibility allows users to maintain the new assistant on larger screens while opting for stability on their primary mobile devices.
8Strategic Decision for Users
The decision to turn off Siri AI depends on whether speed and reliability outweigh the potential for complex task automation. Until Apple resolves the current latency and integration gaps, reverting to the classic version remains a viable strategy for those prioritizing consistent, immediate responses over the current experimental AI capabilities.
Original article: SlashGear — Four Significant Drawbacks of Apple's New Siri AI