Apple has postponed the launch of its highly anticipated artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, originally slated for release with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 in September, reports suggest.
The tech giant now plans a phased rollout of these features. However, Apple is reportedly allowing software developers to test its AI capabilities for stability and bugs through beta versions of iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1.
Sources close to Apple told Bloomberg that the features will be launched in October, a month later than anticipated. The postponement is suggested to be due to feature stability issues, with reports indicating that certain enhanced Siri functions will be absent from the upcoming release.
This decision marks a departure from Apple’s typical release strategy, as the company rarely previews follow-up updates before the public release of a new software generation. The delay is primarily attributed to concerns over the stability of the new Apple Intelligence features, with the company aiming to ensure a smooth consumer experience upon release.
Apple Intelligence features
Apple unveiled its plans for AI at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June alongside the launches of its latest versions of operating systems.
The AI enhancements, collectively known as Apple Intelligence, encompass a range of improvements, including enhanced notification prioritisation, summarisation tools for web pages and voice notes, writing aids, an updated Siri, and integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
However, even after the release of iOS 18.1 and iPad OS 18.1, some Siri updates will remain absent, with the full suite of features expected to roll out in multiple updates through the end of 2024 and into the first half of 2025.
Apple’s strategic move to invest in AI capabilities comes as the company seeks to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving generative AI landscape. The tech giant plans to limit support for these new features to last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and the upcoming iPhone 16 line, potentially boosting sales for these models.
The delay also impacts Apple’s broader ecosystem, with AI features set to extend to Mac computers with Apple chips as part of macOS Sequoia, and development underway for the Vision Pro, albeit with a later release schedule.
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