In 2025, it’s remarkable to reflect on how quickly time has passed. It seems only yesterday that anticipation was building for the launch of Apple Vision Pro, a product many expected to reshape the VR/AR headset market. However, despite significant excitement, the Vision Pro’s initial reception was underwhelming. Interestingly, 2024 became notable for a different Apple milestone.
In June, Apple introduced Apple Intelligence, marking the company’s initial entry into the realm of artificial intelligence. The platform launched in September, featuring Writing Tools—a proprietary alternative to popular proofreading and rewriting software such as Grammarly. Apple expanded the scope of Apple Intelligence later in December with the release of iOS 18.2, which showcased groundbreaking features like Genmoji,Image Playground, and the integration of ChatGPT within Siri.
The release of iOS 18.2 appeared to be a pivotal moment for Apple Intelligence, delivering features many felt should have debuted alongside the iPhone 16 lineup earlier in September. However, Apple’s AI development seemed to lag behind its hardware innovations, resulting in delays and a fragmented release schedule. As a result, the full potential of Apple Intelligence may not be realized until later in 2025.
The potential of Apple Intelligence has sparked optimism among users and analysts alike. If any company can make AI features genuinely indispensable—moving beyond mere novelty—it is Apple. The impact of iOS 18.2 has already been transformative, with features such as Genmoji,Mail Categorization, and Notification Summaries significantly enhancing productivity for users like myself.
Despite these advancements, Apple Intelligence still lacks a defining element: an upgraded Siri. Many expect 2025 to bring the much-anticipated enhancements to Siri, turning it into the personal assistant users have long envisioned. If successful, this evolution would position Apple Intelligence alongside tools like Universal Clipboard and AirDrop as essential features within the Apple ecosystem. Such integration would not only streamline workflows but also solidify the importance of AI within everyday life.
One of the standout features,Genmoji, has demonstrated how AI-powered tools can reach a broad audience, offering a preview of Apple Intelligence’slong-term potential. With Apple’s full suite of AI capabilities likely to become more visible next year, the effectiveness of the company’s late entry into the AI race—especially compared to early adopters like Google —will be put to the test.
A Defining Year for AI in Consumer Technology
The year 2025 will likely determine whether exclusive AI features are truly essential for consumer products. Apple’s challenge lies in captivating its user base with intuitive, impactful applications of AI. Known for prioritizing simplicity, Apple must ensure that its AI offerings resonate with customers who often seek straightforward solutions. Should Apple succeed in making AI indispensable, it could redefine the future of personal technology and cement its leadership in the field.