Apple's AI Feature, "Apple Intelligence," Delayed Until October; Missing from Initial iOS 18 Release

Apple's AI Feature, "Apple Intelligence," Delayed Until October; Missing from Initial iOS 18 ReleaseJuly 29th Reliable sources indicate that Apple's highly anticipated artificial intelligence feature, "Apple Intelligence," will launch later than expected, meaning it will be absent from the initial release of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. Originally planned for a September launch alongside the new iPhones and iPads, Apple Intelligence is now expected to arrive via a software update in October, a delay of several weeks

Apple's AI Feature, "Apple Intelligence," Delayed Until October; Missing from Initial iOS 18 Release

July 29th Reliable sources indicate that Apple's highly anticipated artificial intelligence feature, "Apple Intelligence," will launch later than expected, meaning it will be absent from the initial release of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. Originally planned for a September launch alongside the new iPhones and iPads, Apple Intelligence is now expected to arrive via a software update in October, a delay of several weeks.

Sources claim this isn't a last-minute decision but a strategic adjustment after careful consideration. Apple aims to use this extra time to refine Apple Intelligence, address potential bugs and stability issues, and ensure a high-quality, reliable product for its users. To guarantee software stability and a positive user experience, Apple chose to decouple Apple Intelligence from the initial iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 releases, avoiding potential negative impacts from bugs in a new feature.

To accelerate early testing and refinement, Apple is employing an unconventional strategy: a preview of Apple Intelligence for software developers will be included in the beta versions of iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1, expected this week. This breaks from Apple's usual practice of not previewing subsequent updates before the official OS release, highlighting the importance Apple places on Apple Intelligence and its reliance on developer assistance. Wider developer testing aims to identify and resolve issues early, improving the product's stability and completion.

Apple formally announced several new iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 features, emphasizing Apple Intelligence as a core highlight, at its June Worldwide Developers Conference. However, the revised timeline indicates the highly anticipated AI feature will debut in a later iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 update. An Apple spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.

This delay also impacts the launch of Apple's new iPhones. Apple pushed the fourth beta of iOS 18.0 to developers last week, originally planning to finalize development by the end of July to coincide with the annual September iPhone launch. Therefore, the initial consumer releases of the iPhone 16 may not come pre-installed with Apple Intelligence; users will need to wait for a software update a few weeks later.

Apple Intelligence is highly integrated and boasts several anticipated features: intelligent sorting of key notifications to reduce information overload and improve efficiency; automatic summarization of web pages and voice notes for quick access to core information; writing efficiency tools; and a significantly upgraded Siri with improved speed and accuracy. Furthermore, Apple Intelligence will deeply integrate OpenAI's ChatGPT technology to further enhance its AI capabilities.

Even with the launch of Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1, the initial version may not be fully featured. Some key functionalities, such as Siri's ability to instantly respond to queries using on-device data and providing personalized answers based on screen content, may be unlocked gradually in subsequent updates.

Industry insiders suggest Apple plans to unlock the full feature set of Apple Intelligence through multiple iOS 18 updates between late 2024 and the first half of 2025. This isn't limited to iPhones and iPads; Apple Intelligence will also power Apple silicon Macs as part of macOS Sequoia, expanding its reach across the Apple ecosystem. Apple Intelligence features for the Vision Pro headset are also under development but without a confirmed release date.

Apple is betting heavily on Apple Intelligence, hoping to gain a leading position in the increasingly competitive AI field. The rapid advancements in AI over the past year have profoundly impacted businesses and consumers. Apple believes innovative features like Apple Intelligence will be key to driving iPhone sales this year.

Given the relatively minor design changes in the iPhone 16 seriesaside from a new camera control button and a faster chipsoftware enhancements, particularly Apple Intelligence, will be crucial in attracting consumers and boosting sales. By supporting only the iPhone 15 Pro from last year and the upcoming iPhone 16 series, Apple also aims to position this as a premium feature to increase product pricing.

In conclusion, while the delay of Apple Intelligence is a temporary setback, it ultimately benefits product quality, ensuring a more stable and complete AI experience for users. Apple's move reflects its consistent rigorous approach to software development and its commitment to user experience.