These developers can’t get excited about Apple’s AI efforts

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🗞️ Driving the news: As Apple prepares to unveil new artificial intelligence features at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this week, enthusiasm among app developers is muted
• Many remain unconvinced that the anticipated updates — such as access to on-device small AI models—will meaningfully advance Apple’s AI strategy or help them build competitive tools
• This tepid reception reflects broader doubts about Apple’s ability to keep pace with AI leaders like OpenAI and Google.

🔭 The context: Once the crown jewel of tech events, WWDC now faces skepticism, particularly as Apple’s AI rollout has lagged industry expectations
• Developers are also increasingly frustrated with Apple’s tight ecosystem, a sentiment heightened by a recent U.S. court ruling and European regulatory pressures that could open the door to alternative app stores and reduce Apple’s control over developer monetization.

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: If Apple (see sustainability performance) can successfully integrate efficient, privacy-preserving AI directly onto its devices, it could reduce the energy and data privacy burdens associated with cloud-based AI systems
• Developer reluctance signals a critical gap between potential environmental gains and real-world adoption
• Effective deployment depends on both performance and developer trust — elements currently in question

⏭️ What's next: Apple is expected to highlight its “Apple Intelligence” initiative during WWDC, with potential rollouts of on-device AI tools
• Upcoming policy shifts in the U.S. and continued pressure from the EU could further reshape Apple’s developer ecosystem, potentially forcing it to open its App Store or adjust its commission model
• The outcome of these shifts will significantly influence Apple’s role in the future of AI-enabled mobile technology.

💬 One quote: “What Apple is doing is interesting; it’s just not interesting enough to break through the noise.” — Grant McDonald, CEO of parenting app Bobo

📈 One stat: In 2024, the global App Store ecosystem facilitated $1.3 trillion in developer billings and sales — over 90% of which went directly to developers, according to Apple

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of Apple and its peers Google, Microsoft, and Meta

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