The real cost of overpromising on AI and what to do instead

In the tech industry, the allure of AI-driven innovations has led many companies, including notable names like Builder.ai and Apple, to make ambitious promises that they later struggled to fulfill, highlighting the dangers of overpromising in the AI domain. Builder.ai's claim of democratizing software development with AI was exposed as largely reliant on human labor, leading to its downfall due to financial mismanagement and unmet expectations. Similarly, Apple's AI initiatives, announced with much fanfare, have faced delays and limitations, indicating even established giants are not immune to the pitfalls of overpromising. The text underscores the importance of realistic communication between product and marketing teams to prevent exaggerated claims, emphasizing that product managers must balance ambition with deliverability to maintain trust. It suggests fostering a culture of sustainable delivery and shared accountability, encouraging iterative progress over grandiose declarations, and ensuring transparency with users to build and retain credibility.