Apple Problems: Beyond iPhone & Mac Design
Apple’s new Liquid Glass design is under fire, sparking user criticism focused on the interface’s readability, while delays in Apple Intelligence features are fueling user frustration. This News Directory 3 report dissects the issues, from problematic notification summaries to class-action lawsuits, as users question the value of new iPhone and Mac features. Apple defends its measured approach to AI progress, but faces pressure from Google’s rapid advancements. Learn how Apple is responding to the Liquid Glass criticism, and what factors are playing into the competition in the competitive AI landscape, which has affected investor concerns. Discover what’s next as the tech giant navigates this pivotal moment.
Apple’s Liquid Glass Design Sparks Debate Amid AI Feature Delays
Updated June 13, 2025
Apple’s latest software redesign, dubbed Liquid Glass, has ignited a wave of user criticism. The updated interface, set to roll out across iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, features translucent backgrounds that some users find visually distracting.
The design update arrives during a sensitive period for Apple, as the company faces scrutiny over delays in its Apple Intelligence features. While Apple unveiled its AI suite last year, key functionalities remain unreleased or have received lukewarm reviews. This has led to concerns among investors and gadget bloggers about Apple’s position in the competitive AI landscape.
IDC’s Tom Mainelli said that users are less concerned with tech press opinions and more focused on features that function effectively. However, the initial rollout of Apple Intelligence has been rocky. Notification summaries have been criticized as nonsensical, and the Clean Up tool for photo editing has garnered mixed reactions.
Adding to the pressure, Apple faces class-action lawsuits alleging false advertising related to its Apple Intelligence marketing campaign. The lawsuits claim that consumers purchased new devices based on promises of advanced Siri features that have yet to materialize.
Apple software chief Craig Federighi defended the company’s approach, stating that there is no need to rush out with the wrong features just to be first. He emphasized that Apple views AI as a long-term transformational wave.

Federighi attributed the delay in the new Siri’s release to the need to rebuild its architecture with a focus on privacy. In contrast, Google has leveraged its cloud computing infrastructure to power its AI assistant, Gemini.
While Apple navigates its AI strategy,Google is aggressively pursuing AI integration. At its recent conference, Google showcased AI prototypes capable of performing tasks based on real-time environmental awareness.
Mainelli suggested that Apple risks losing users who want to live on the bleeding edge if they are too slow or deliberate. However, he believes
