Apple's AI efforts are imploding spectacularly. The latest executive shuffle - moving Siri away from AI chief John Giannandrea to Vision Pro creator Mike Rockwell - reads like a desperate play from a tech giant that's lost its innovative edge. While Cupertino wrestles with what their own executives call "ugly" and "embarrassing" Siri delays, a nimble London startup has quietly built Apple's dream: an AI assistant that actually works.
The Empire's New Clothes 🧠
Enter Raycast. Two ex-Facebook engineers, armed with just $30 million and a clear vision, have accomplished what Apple's billions couldn't. While Siri struggles to set a simple timer, Raycast orchestrates complex digital symphonies with the precision of a master conductor.
The OS Revolution We've Been Missing ⚡
"We're still using the same paradigms from the 1980s," Raycast CEO Thomas Paul Mann observes with characteristic understatement. He's right. Our computers have become quantum supercomputers still thinking in folders and files - like running a SpaceX rocket with a steam engine interface.
The Raycast founders Thomas Paul Mann (CEO) and Petr Nikolaev (CTO)/ Credit: Raycast
Raycast hasn't just built another utility. They've created the neural network modern computing desperately needs. Instead of forcing users to speak computer, Raycast makes computers understand humans. Their platform transforms every app into an AI-powered tool, every command into an intelligent conversation.
Numbers That Tell a Story 📊
The contrast between these companies tells a stark tale. Apple has burned through four Siri bosses in a decade, delayed AI features indefinitely, and wrestles with internal turmoil at the highest levels. Billions spent, minimal innovation delivered.
Meanwhile, Raycast has captured hundreds of thousands of daily users and attracted 20,000 developers to build their future. They've spent zero dollars on marketing. Their ecosystem grows purely through word of mouth from delighted users. This isn't just success - it's the kind of organic growth Apple hasn't seen since the early App Store days.
The AI That Actually Understands You 🤖
While Apple's executives reshuffle org charts, Raycast demonstrates what's possible. Their system doesn't just launch apps - it understands intent. It transforms natural language into digital action with uncanny precision. Need to schedule a meeting, draft an email, and update your team's status? One command does it all. Want to analyze data across multiple tools? A single keystroke makes it happen.
Credit: Raycast
The Strategic Imperative ♟️
The stakes transcend mere productivity. This is about the future of computing itself. Microsoft isn't sleeping - they're aggressively pushing AI into Windows. Google's ChromeOS evolves daily. Meanwhile, Apple's playing musical chairs with Siri's leadership.
Raycast offers instant redemption. Their battle-tested AI platform works today, not in some promised future. Their team ships improvements weekly, not yearly. Their architecture aligns perfectly with Apple's privacy DNA. Twenty thousand developers are already building tomorrow's tools on their platform.
The $30M Bargain 💰
The acquisition math becomes brutally simple. For less than what Apple spends on executive compensation in a quarter, they could own the future of AI-powered computing. They'd get a team that's cracked the code on modern UX, an instant solution to their Siri crisis, and a developer ecosystem that rivals the early App Store days.
Beyond Just Another Assistant 🚀
Raycast isn't just another AI assistant. It's a glimpse into computing's future - where our machines finally understand us. Mann and his team have built what Apple's been chasing for years: an intelligent layer that makes technology feel magical again.
The technical synergy approaches poetry. Raycast's privacy-first approach mirrors Apple's DNA. Their extension architecture could revolutionize iOS and macOS. Their speed of innovation could inject fresh energy into Apple's AI efforts.
The Window Is Closing ⏰
The AI race won't wait for Apple to figure out Siri. Microsoft's Windows Copilot grows smarter daily. Google pushes AI into every corner of ChromeOS. Even smaller players innovate faster than Apple. Raycast offers Apple something precious: time. Instead of spending years rebuilding Siri, they could leapfrog the competition overnight.
Why this matters:
While Apple struggles with basic AI features, Raycast has built the future of computing
The window for catching up in AI is closing fast - this acquisition could be Apple's shortcut to relevance
Sometimes the best innovation comes from acquisition, not internal development
The next computing revolution will be AI-native, and right now, Raycast leads the pack
Translation: Apple needs Raycast more than Raycast needs Apple. But together, they could reshape computing as we know it. The only question is whether Apple will see the opportunity before someone else does.
