Apple scores big victory with 'F1,' but AI is still a major problem in Cupertino

Core Insights - Apple experienced contrasting outcomes in its recent initiatives, with significant AI advancements met with muted responses, while the blockbuster film "F1" achieved over $155 million in its opening weekend, showcasing the company's cultural engagement and long-term growth potential [2][3]. Group 1: AI Developments - Apple revealed its AI features at WWDC, but the rollout faced delays and underwhelming responses, particularly regarding the anticipated improvements to Siri, which are now expected to be delayed until 2026 [12][13]. - The company has struggled to keep pace with competitors like Google, which have integrated more sophisticated AI assistants into their devices, raising concerns about Apple's future competitiveness in AI [16][18]. - Wall Street's anxiety over Apple's AI capabilities was heightened by reports suggesting the company might consider using external AI technologies from Anthropic or OpenAI, which would mark a significant shift from its strategy of owning core technologies [19][20]. Group 2: Film and Services Business - The success of "F1" highlights Apple's marketing prowess and ability to attract high-profile talent, reinforcing its position in the entertainment sector and its services business, which has been a key focus since 2016 [6][8]. - Despite films being a small part of Apple's services revenue, the success of "F1" could pave the way for more major film projects, demonstrating the potential for growth in this area [10][9]. - Apple's long-term commitment to its film projects, despite initial skepticism, has allowed it to build a strong presence in Hollywood, which could enhance its overall brand and service offerings [5][4].