Apple AI features won’t be rolled out with iPhone 16-series launch; delayed till October

Some of Apple’s much anticipated AI features will be rolled out slightly later than expected, now slated for October 2024.

Reports have indicated that this release will take place later than the initial launch of other upcoming iPhone and iPad software enhancements in September 2024.

According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple’s AI features will arrive a few weeks after the initial iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 releases.

As part of its Worldwide Developers Conference(WWDC) in June 2024, Apple released a wide range of new features and enhancements along with its expected AI-backed developments and ‘Apple Intelligence’. These were scheduled to be released in a phased manner from September 2024 onward until next year.

Apple Intelligence features will now debut with iOS 18.1, which is expected to roll out in October. This means that the next generation of iPhones will come without the new AI features, until October 2024.

It has been reported that “Apple is planning to make Apple Intelligence available to software developers for the first time for early testing as soon as this week via iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 betas.” Apple Intelligence, which uses AI to create text, images and other content on command will therefore be slightly delayed.

According to the Bloomberg report, features such as Image Playground and Genmoji are expected to be first in line for release, whereas features like the new Siri and ChatGPT integration will be delayed till spring 2025.

“The report comes after Apple in late June delayed launching three new artificial intelligence features because landmark European Union tech rules require it to ensure that rival products and services can function with its device.” These features are Phone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements, and Apple Intelligence.

According to Bloomberg, delaying Apple Intelligence to 18.1 will let the company fix bugs and other issues for a more seamless user experience.