Apple’s forthcoming artificial intelligence (AI) features are set to launch later than initially expected, missing the initial release of its new iPhone and iPad software updates. This delay allows the company extra time to address bugs and ensure a more polished product.
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According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple plans to begin rolling out “Apple Intelligence” to customers through software updates by October. This means the AI features will follow the initial September releases of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 by a few weeks. These sources requested anonymity as the details have not been publicly announced.
In an unusual move, Apple intends to make Apple Intelligence available to software developers for early testing as early as this week through the iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 beta versions. Typically, Apple does not preview follow-up updates until around the time of the initial software release.
The stakes are particularly high for this launch, as Apple seeks to ensure a smooth rollout of its significant investment in AI. The company is relying on developers to help identify and resolve issues during testing. Concerns about the stability of Apple Intelligence contributed to the decision to separate these features from the initial iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 launch.
Apple introduced these features and operating systems in June at its Worldwide Developers Conference, originally stating that Apple Intelligence would debut as part of the new software versions. The revised schedule means the AI capabilities will only become widely available with a subsequent update. Apple has not commented on these developments.
The company recently released a fourth beta of iOS 18.0 to developers and aims to finalize development by the end of July. Apple’s annual launch of new iPhones in September includes the latest software, which must be completed in time for installation on devices before they leave the factory.
This release strategy implies that the initial iPhone 16 units sold may not include the new AI features, requiring a later software update. Apple Intelligence offers features such as prioritizing key notifications, summarizing webpages and voice notes, improving writing tools, and a revamp of Siri with integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Even when Apple Intelligence launches with iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1, some key features, including significant Siri updates, will not be available immediately. The full set of Apple Intelligence features will be released in multiple updates through the end of 2024 and into 2025, with plans to extend support to Mac computers and, eventually, Vision Pro. By focusing on the iPhone 15 Pro and the upcoming iPhone 16 line, Apple aims to leverage these new AI features to boost sales of its latest iPhone models, which will also include hardware upgrades such as a new camera control button and a faster chip.
