In the rush to capitalise on artificial intelligence (AI), many businesses are charging ahead without proper preparation. According to Deloitte Insights, 70% of executives say their organisations are investing in AI, but only 20% feel fully prepared to adopt it successfully. Apple’s recent decision to delay the launch of its “Apple Intelligence” feature serves as a crucial reminder: rushing AI integration can do more harm than good.
Apple’s choice to pause and refine its AI strategy underscores the importance of a measured approach. Even for a tech leader like Apple, moving too quickly can result in missed opportunities and unforeseen risks. To truly benefit from AI, businesses must focus on strategic preparation, research, and validation.
Start with Customer Research
A customer-first approach is essential to any AI strategy. Apple’s decision to delay reflects a commitment to ensuring new technology enhances the customer experience. Businesses that implement AI without understanding their customers risk creating solutions that miss the mark.
Engage with your customers through surveys, focus groups, and real-world feedback to validate your AI opportunities. This process helps identify real needs and prioritises initiatives that deliver value, ensuring your AI efforts are well-aligned with market demands.
Validate and De-risk Your Approach
Apple’s decision to delay its AI rollout highlights the critical importance of validating and de-risking new technologies before they go live. By pausing the release of “Apple Intelligence,” Apple is taking the time to ensure the technology meets its high standards, integrates seamlessly into its existing ecosystem, and adds real value for users.
At Pomegranate, we advocate a similar approach through our PRIME framework—a structured, step-by-step guide to help businesses identify and validate AI opportunities. This framework helps businesses build a strong business case to present internally, securing the necessary buy-in and budget while thoroughly testing and mitigating risks to avoid costly missteps.
Test, Pilot, and Roll Out Slowly
Apple’s approach also highlights the value of testing AI solutions on a smaller scale before a full launch. By delaying “Apple Intelligence,” Apple is taking the time to gather real-world feedback and make necessary refinements. This phased rollout ensures their AI features are robust, user-friendly, and aligned with their goals.
At Pomegranate, we champion a similar “Pilot, Test, and Learn” approach, which emphasises starting with a controlled, small-scale deployment to test AI solutions in real-world scenarios. Our tailored AI pilots are designed to be cost-effective and targeted to demonstrate value quickly and clearly. Through this process, businesses can refine their AI solutions, learn from real-time data, and build confidence before wider implementation.
Join Us for Our Webinar on AI Readiness
If you’re considering AI for your business, join our upcoming webinar: “AI Ready or Not? Having the AI Readiness Conversation” on Thursday, 5th September at 5 pm. Our Pomegranate experts, Philipp Streicher, Lead AI Engineer, and Duncan Thomas, Head of Innovation, will introduce our PRIME approach to assessing AI opportunities and reducing risks.
Register now to learn more about our PRIME model for ensuring your AI initiatives are built on a solid foundation of strategic planning and preparation.
Conclusion: A Thoughtful Path to AI Integration
Apple’s decision to take its time with AI implementation is a reminder: with AI, slow and steady truly wins the race. By thoroughly validating, testing, and refining your approach, you can minimise risks and set your business up for success.
Join us at the webinar and start your journey towards AI readiness.
