Why does apricot contradict English phonics?

The Word "apricot" contradicts English phonics primarily because its pronunciation does not align with typical phonetic rules. In English, the letter combination "a" is usually pronounced as a short vowel sound, but in "apricot," it can sound like a long "a" or a short "e" depending on regional accents. Additionally, the final "t" is often silent in some pronunciations, further deviating from standard phonetic expectations. This inconsistency highlights the complexity and irregularity of English pronunciation.