2026 is starting strong for Apple. The company is coming off a year full of problems but is finishing strong. Now it will be decided whether this positive trend continues. The foundation is solid, but one issue dominates: Siri and the question of whether Apple can turn things around in its AI strategy in time.
For a long time, 2025 seemed like a year in which Apple stumbled. AI upgrades for Siri were postponed, some Apple Intelligence features had to be deactivated, and media outlets and investors repeatedly questioned whether Apple could keep pace in the AI era. At the same time, US tariffs threatened to weigh on business. Although Apple managed to avoid the worst consequences, AI remained the biggest area of uncertainty. Nevertheless, 2025 ended significantly better than expected. This very combination of pressure and a successful final push is shaping the start of the new year.
Strong year-end results provide new momentum
Apple is managing to overshadow the year's challenges. The iPhone 17 models are selling strongly, resulting in a holiday quarter that is expected to grow by 10 to 12 percent compared to the previous record year. This is an exceptional result, especially after months of doubt surrounding Apple's competitiveness in the AI arena.
The services division is also performing well. A decision by Google is further stabilizing revenue, ensuring that the services sector remains a reliable foundation. Apple TV and the movie division are having their best year since their launch. At the same time, sentiment surrounding Apple's AI position is slowly shifting towards a more positive outlook. Skepticism remains, but it is diminishing in intensity. These factors are generating the momentum that Apple desperately needs in 2026.
AI remains the central question mark
Despite the strong figures, AI remains the dominant topic. Apple has noticeably lagged behind in the further development of Siri. Features were postponed or deactivated, while competitors presented new milestones almost weekly. This is precisely why 2026 is a crucial year.
While Apple may not possess the most powerful internal AI models, it does have globally established devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Users naturally operate within this ecosystem. This gives Apple an advantage that will become apparent once Siri reliably performs at the level of modern AI assistants.
Siri and iOS 26.4 as a turning point
The crucial test comes with iOS 26.4. The revamped Siri is slated for release in the spring. If the assistant finally delivers the performance that has long been promised, Apple can quickly regain its position as a serious AI player. A well-functioning Siri upgrade would bolster this entire momentum.
If the update fails, however, Apple will not only lose time, but also the trust it has painstakingly rebuilt. The delays of recent years have raised expectations. Now, average performance is no longer sufficient. There is much to suggest that, thanks to its cooperation with Google, Apple is significantly better positioned in this area than it was a year ago.
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Apple 2026: A solid foundation, but the AI question remains
2026 is starting better for Apple than many expected. Strong iPhone sales, record figures in the holiday quarter, growing services, and a successful year for Apple TV and the film division create a robust foundation. But the key to success remains Siri. If the new version is a success, it will strengthen Apple's position in the AI market and secure this positive development. If the upgrade falls short of expectations, Apple will lose ground. 2026 will be a test for this new momentum. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: NewAfrica / DepositPhotos.com)
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