Apple Inc. has announced a delay in the release of its highly anticipated artificial intelligence feature, Apple Intelligence, which was initially slated to debut alongside the upcoming iOS 18 update. According to a recent report from Bloomberg’s technology journalist, Mark Gurman, the rollout of Apple Intelligence will now be postponed from September to October.
This adjustment comes as iOS 18 moves into its public beta phase, with the core operating system expected to launch as planned in September. The delay, while relatively minor, shifts the release of the Apple Intelligence component to the subsequent month. The broader iOS 18 update will still proceed on schedule, providing users with initial features and improvements.
Developers will have early access to Apple Intelligence this week, with testing phases continuing as planned. Those interested in experimenting with the new AI features can sign up for the developer beta, though availability is limited and subject to a waitlist. This proactive approach suggests that while the main consumer launch is delayed, internal development remains on track.
Apple Intelligence is poised to introduce a suite of advanced capabilities, including AI-driven summaries, image generation, and customisable AI emojis, termed “Genmoji” by Apple. These features will be integrated gradually, with iOS 18.1 expected to roll out these innovations progressively. The first phase of iOS 18 will incorporate other AI-related features such as voice memo transcriptions, which, although not branded under Apple Intelligence, will be available when the operating system is officially released in September.
The most significant delay pertains to the enhanced Siri functionality, which will be powered by the new AI technology. Gurman reports that this upgraded version of Siri, offering more contextual understanding and integrated data from various applications, will not be available until Spring 2025. This advanced iteration of Siri will be capable of interpreting user activities and queries with greater precision, allowing for more intuitive interactions. For example, if a user were discussing a film such as “Deadpool & Wolverine” and subsequently inquired about its showtimes, Siri would seamlessly recognise the specific film in question.
The phased rollout of Apple Intelligence aligns with Apple’s cautious approach, particularly in light of recent setbacks experienced by competitors. Google’s AI Overviews and Microsoft’s Recall faced substantial criticism and operational challenges upon their initial launches. By implementing a staggered introduction, Apple aims to mitigate potential issues and refine the technology in real-world scenarios before a full-scale release.
As Apple navigates this delay, the technology sector will be closely observing the company’s strategy and the impact of this new AI feature on the broader market. With advancements in AI becoming increasingly pivotal in consumer technology, Apple’s careful rollout reflects a broader trend of prioritising reliability and user experience over rapid deployment.
In summary, while the delay of Apple Intelligence may cause some disappointment among enthusiasts, the incremental release strategy indicates a commitment to ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the new feature. Users can anticipate the arrival of iOS 18 in September, with Apple Intelligence set to enhance the platform in October. The extended timeline for the revamped Siri underscores Apple’s dedication to delivering a well-developed and robust AI assistant, expected to make its debut in 2025. As the industry awaits further developments, Apple’s approach may set new benchmarks for the integration of artificial intelligence in consumer technology.
