I think your comment is fair >> "Though Apple is said to be enthusiastic about the project, their absence is still notable because the company has fallen behin

I think your comment is fair >> "Though Apple is said to be enthusiastic about the project, their absence is still notable because the company has fallen behind in artificial intelligence when compared to its rivals — many of whom are part of this new group." could easily be replaced by "Apple decided not to join the group because they're so advanced compared to its rivals. This group was actually created in an attempt to catch-up with Apple". Both of these extreme claims aren't really back up by substantial facts.