Apple has paused its artificial intelligence (AI) feature for news alerts after widespread criticism of its inaccuracies. The tool, designed to summarise news headlines, repeatedly made mistakes, prompting complaints from media outlets and users alike.
Media Criticism and Public Backlash
The AI feature sent notifications that appeared to originate from news apps but often misrepresented the content. One notable error occurred when it falsely claimed Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had shot himself. This mistake led to sharp criticism, including complaints from the BBC, which filed an official grievance with Apple in December.
Reports indicated the AI also misrepresented headlines from the New York Times and the Washington Post, sparking concerns about misinformation. Media groups warned that these errors undermined trust in news and amplified issues of misinformation.
Apple initially pledged to release a software update clarifying AI’s role in creating summaries. However, critics argued this response was insufficient, increasing pressure on the company to take further action.
Apple Disables Feature Amidst Growing Pressure
In response, Apple announced it would temporarily disable the AI summarisation feature for news and entertainment apps. “With the latest beta versions of iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3, notification summaries in the News & Entertainment category will be unavailable,” an Apple spokesperson stated. For other app alerts, AI-generated summaries will continue but appear in italicised text.
The BBC welcomed this decision, with a spokesperson saying, “We’re pleased Apple has listened to our concerns. Accuracy is crucial to maintaining trust in the news we deliver.”
The AI tool, introduced in the UK in December, was intended to enhance efficiency by condensing multiple notifications into a single alert. However, its errors have overshadowed its utility, highlighting the challenges of integrating AI into sensitive domains like news.
Implications for Apple and Future AI Development
Apple faces growing scrutiny over its AI efforts, which investors hoped would fuel demand for iPhones and other products. The company’s decision to pause the feature comes amidst reports of slowing sales in China, leading to a 4% drop in its stock value on Thursday.
As Apple works to refine the feature, it remains under pressure to demonstrate that its AI initiatives can meet high standards of accuracy and reliability.