OpenTable, a popular restaurant reservation site, and Apple’s Siri are causing unexpected calendar entries and notifications on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. When an Apple user visits a restaurant listed on OpenTable using the Safari browser, an entry for a supposed reservation is automatically added to the calendar on iOS and macOS, even if no table reservation was made. This issue also affects visitors to the site who do not have an OpenTable account, as reported by users. The bug has been confirmed through testing.
Siri is responsible for these calendar suggestions. For some time now, Siri has been utilizing a “proactive” system that assists users by automatically suggesting calendar entries. Events based on actions like hotel bookings are listed as suggestions but appear in the Apple Calendar, leading to further Siri suggestions.
This results in multiple prominent notifications on the iPhone lock screen. Siri might suggest enabling the Do Not Disturb mode for the event or provide recommendations for timely departure. These unwanted alerts can be confusing and are difficult for users to understand. The issue becomes more perplexing when another family member, using a shared device, triggers the calendar entry by visiting an OpenTable page.
For these suggestions, Siri can access app data, which is enabled by default. The assistant primarily views entries from Apple apps like Safari and Mail, but third-party apps like Booking also support this feature, automatically adding hotel bookings to the calendar. The bug with OpenTable highlights the unstable nature of such AI assistant functionalities and the potential for user confusion.
Currently, Apple is working on enhancing Siri with new AI capabilities. The assistant system is expected to better capture data from apps and screen content, making it more powerful. Third-party apps will need to adapt, and Apple must expand its interfaces. The context-sensitive Siri system is anticipated to arrive with iOS 18.4 in Spring 2025. A completely new Siri based on language models is reportedly in development for 2026.
This development underscores the complexity of integrating AI into everyday applications and the challenges of ensuring these systems work seamlessly without causing user frustration. As AI technology continues to evolve, companies like Apple must address these issues to improve user experience and trust in their digital assistants.
As Apple prepares for these advancements, users may need to be patient and cautious about how they interact with AI-driven features. Understanding the current limitations and potential bugs can help users manage their expectations and make informed decisions about using these technologies.
Overall, the situation with OpenTable and Siri serves as a reminder of the intricacies involved in AI integration and the importance of thorough testing and user feedback in the development process. As technology progresses, the goal remains to create more intuitive and helpful digital assistants that enhance daily life without introducing unnecessary complications.