Is Apple really "Behind" with AI?

I don't think so. Here's why...

Apple has been integrating machine learning into its products for years, enhancing functionality while maintaining a seamless user experience.

Face ID uses neural networks for secure facial recognition. The Photos app employs machine learning to organize photos by faces and scenes. Apple Watch uses machine learning to accurately track physical activities and health metrics, adapting to the user's lifestyle and needs. Even the HomePod mini leverages machine learning to analyze the room's acoustics, dynamically tuning the audio to optimize sound quality based on its environment. 

So it doesn't seem like Apple is really "behind" at all.

Apple's strategy isn't about making AI the centerpiece but rather a silent partner that enhances user experience. This subtlety might be why some perceive Apple as "behind" when, in reality, they are leveraging artificial intelligence (specifically machine learning) in a way that doesn't disrupt the experience. Rather, it quietly enriches it.

From my point of view, Apple isn't "behind"; they're ahead. They seamlessly leverage AI in their product experiences. It becomes invisible to us as users. It's there, not as a feature to flaunt but as an integral part of an exceptional, user-focused design philosophy.

There's a lot of buzz and hype around "AI." But it's so poorly understood that many people only look for one specific type of AI. It seems that Apple deeply understands the difference between AI and Machine Learning. That understanding provides a huge advantage in how they incorporate it into their product.

I believe Apple is way ahead of the rest of the market when it comes to incorporating AI into the experience. They may not have flashily generative AI (Or do they?...see the Apple Vision Pro avatar). However, they consistently and seamlessly integrate AI and ML into their products, and we rarely recognize it. That's how it should be.

What are your thoughts? Is Apple really 'behind'? Should AI features be seamlessly integrated, or should they be dedicated experiences or some hybrid approach?