Apple’s Latest Siri: Just an Annoyance
The sleek AI-enhanced Siri that Apple unveiled last week at WWDC was supposed to represent a major advancement in on-device AI. However, don’t fall for Tim Cook’s last big presentation. After a week of testing, it’s evident that Apple merely integrated some Google AI Features into its operating systems, resulting in increased frustration for users. At least it has more AIs, right?
Siri: Talkative Companion
I’ve been testing the iOS and macOS 27 developer betas since June 8, and I got to try the new Siri shortly after. Some features are useful: Siri now engages in genuine conversation, making it more functional than the previous version’s “ask a question, get an answer, end of conversation” routine. Siri also does a better job of locating items on my device – at least on my M1 MacBook. My iPhone 15 Pro is still re-indexing following the update, but at least I managed to perform web searches and locate some items on my phone.
Chat History Chaos
The dedicated Siri application is decent, displaying a record of every interaction I’ve had with the new Apple Intelligence, but there’s a downside. Even the simplest inquiries – such as the overnight weather – are permanently saved, cluttering the conversation list until I manually remove them. The only alternative? Set an expiration date and risk losing valuable conversation records.
Disarray with Spotlight
Setting minor annoyances aside, my primary complaint with Siri AI: it has disrupted Spotlight. I’ve depended on Apple’s integrated search for locating apps I haven’t shortcut and initiating web searches on my iPhone. Swipe down, type, and tap to jump into a Google search in Safari. Swipe, type, and tap. Not anymore.
The new Siri-centered layout assumes that any search not for an app or file means you want Siri to provide you with Apple-selected links. A web search from Spotlight now requires multiple taps: Type your question, tap “Show Results” (avoiding enter, which activates Siri), tap “Show More” next to Siri’s web results, scroll to “Search Google,” then tap it. Maybe I’m just someone who prefers things uncomplicated, but transforming Spotlight into a Siri playground seems like they’ve messed up a fundamental feature to promote an AI that’s more of a hindrance than a help.
Google’s Influence Everywhere
This entire situation recalls Google’s problematic AI Features, which push genuine search results down the page in favor of Google Gemini’s scripted nonsense. It makes sense considering the history. In 2025, Apple replaced its former AI chief John Giannandrea, once Google’s SVP of search and AI, to redirect the Siri project. His replacement was Amar Subramanya, another former Google employee with strong connections to Google’s AI, who now reports to Apple’s SVP of software engineering, Craig Federighi. Federighi now oversees Apple’s machine learning efforts, including their foundational models. As revealed at WWDC, Apple is significantly collaborating with Google to develop its foundational models, and it seems Subramanya carried that Google AI flair with him.
Countering AI Excess
So, what’s the solution for the AI clutter in iOS 27? You could completely disable Siri in Settings, but I’ve discovered another approach using Apple’s additional AI features. As noted at WWDC, you can create shortcuts by naturally requesting Siri. I’ve asked it to generate a shortcut for Google searches with any text I provide. It operates smoothly and is available for you to use on your own iDevice.
Keep in mind, this is a developer beta, so Apple might realize the need to stop obscuring basic Spotlight search before the 27 OS series is released to the public this autumn. We reached out to Apple to inquire if this change was intentional, but they have not responded.
Conclusion
Title Tag: New Siri: More Trouble Than Helper
Apple’s revamped Siri may have appeared revolutionary, but it feels more like a detriment. With its interference in Spotlight and promotion of unnecessary AI clutter, this update leaves much to be desired. Fortunately, there’s always a workaround with some ingenuity and the right shortcuts. Here’s hoping Apple reconsiders before the complete release.
