Apple's Federighi Rejects Sycophantic Design for Next Siri

*Craig Federighi says the updated Siri will avoid the engagement tactics common in competing chatbots.*

Apple's software chief Craig Federighi stated that the company's upcoming Siri will not pursue the kind of personal engagement or emotional attachment seen in other AI chatbots. The comments came in an interview with Mostly Human after WWDC.

Federighi contrasted Apple's approach with chatbots from OpenAI, Google, and similar companies. Those systems, he said, emphasize engagement to a large degree and often display sycophancy that pulls users in, encourages personal disclosures, and builds a sense of connection.

Apple instead designed the new Siri as a utility tool rather than a companion. When asked directly whether users could create an AI boyfriend or girlfriend with Siri, Federighi answered no. The company explicitly chose not to optimize for keeping people talking.

The remarks address iOS 27 changes to Siri. Federighi noted that early testing already shows the assistant knows when to stop responding, a behavior the team built in on purpose.

Why it matters

Apple is betting that users will accept a narrower, less ingratiating AI if it stays out of their personal lives. That choice sets the product apart from rivals whose business models reward longer sessions and deeper data collection. Whether the restraint proves commercially viable remains open, but the position is now on record.

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Sources:

• The Verge
• MacRumors

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