Contrary to earlier speculation, Apple Intelligence, the highly anticipated AI features for iOS, will not be part of the initial iOS 18.0 release in September. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is strategically postponing the rollout until iOS 18.1, expected in October.
While this might seem like a setback, it’s a calculated move by Apple to prioritize stability and bug fixes for iOS 18.0.The delay also allows them to focus on perfecting Apple Intelligence’s features, with some expected to debut in a developer beta as early as this week.
Early birds can expect to see features like Image Playground and Genmoji sooner rather than later, while the more complex integrations with Siri and ChatGPT are slated for a spring release. This staggered approach suggests Apple is taking a measured, iterative approach to deploying its AI capabilities.
The delay, though disappointing for some, may ultimately benefit users by ensuring a smoother and more polished experience with Apple Intelligence upon its official release. It also aligns with Apple’s track record of prioritizing stability over rushed releases, as seen with their decision to hold back iPadOS 16’s Stage Manager feature.
The implications for macOS Sequoia remain unclear, but it’s plausible that Apple Intelligence features could appear in a beta version this week, potentially aligning with the iOS 18.1 timeline for a public release in October.
How Apple will distribute this new beta remains to be seen. Will they introduce a separate iOS 18.1 track in Settings, or simply discontinue iOS 18.0 developer betas? The answers will unfold in the coming weeks, but one thing is certain:Apple is determined to deliver a robust and refined AI experience to its users, even if it means delaying gratification slightly.
