By Emma Reynolds 
Often in the world of technology, the early bird gets the worm. Yet, Apple CEO Tim Cook begs to differ, presenting a fresh perspective on the late entry of Apple into the realm of Artificial Intelligence. Known for their innovations and groundbreaking developments, Apple has always been a trendsetter in the tech industry. However, in the case of AI, Apple has been tagged the tortoise in the race. Cook, however, uses four powerful words to defend this tardiness, ‘We prioritize better over first’.
Cook’s strategy is intriguing and atypical in a world that often equates speed with success. But then again, Apple has never been one to swim with the tide. “We prioritize better over first” is not a mere defense, but it is a peek into the Apple mindset that quality and innovation are the driving forces, not the race to be first to market.
Cook’s perspective is not baseless. Consider the iPhone, not the first smartphone but certainly the one that revolutionized the industry and set the bar high. Or the iPod, not the first portable music player, but one that transformed how we listen to music. Apple’s focus is on perfecting the technology, refining the user experience and setting industry standards. When it comes to AI, they are more interested in getting it ‘right’ rather than getting it ‘quick’.
Apple’s AI journey is evidence of this. Their foray into AI was not a loud, flashy event. It was a quiet, steady progress, focusing on deep learning and user privacy. They’ve integrated AI into their products subtly, enhancing user experience without compromising on privacy. Their voice assistant Siri, may not be the first, but it has been steadily improving and is deeply ingrained in their ecosystem.
Being ‘late’ in AI doesn’t necessarily put Apple at a disadvantage. On the contrary, it may even prove beneficial. By not jumping the gun, Apple can learn from the mistakes and successes of its competitors. It can refine its technology and offer a more polished product. Besides, Apple has a loyal user base that values the company’s commitment to quality and privacy, something that Apple is ensuring in its AI development.
Cook’s four-word mantra is not just a defense but a strategy, a philosophy. It’s a reminder that in the race to innovate, getting it right is just as important as getting it there. While the tech industry continues its frenzied pace, Apple, with its ‘better over first’ approach, may just be the tortoise that wins the race in the long run.
In the world of technology, being first is often seen as a victory. But as Apple’s journey in AI shows, sometimes being ‘better’ can be the sweetest victory of all. So, here’s to the tortoises in the race, those who prioritize quality over speed, refinement over rush. May they continue to redefine the norms and challenge the status quo, reminding us that it’s not always about being the first, but often about being the best.