San Francisco, CA – Apple enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the release of iOS 18 and other upcoming updates may have to wait a bit longer to experience the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence features. The beta-testing phase is currently underway, with the third developer betas already in circulation for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15 Sequoia, and other software updates slated for this fall. While many new features are available for testing, the highly-touted Apple Intelligence features remain elusive.
Reports indicate that although Settings menus for the Apple Intelligence features have surfaced in the Xcode Simulator for current versions of iOS 18, they are merely non-functional placeholders at this time. Apple has stated that the first wave of Apple Intelligence features will be unveiled “this summer,” with expectations of their inclusion in the public beta builds later this month.
According to industry expert Mark Gurman, Apple may have been caught off-guard by the strong interest in generative AI, which has contributed to the delay in rolling out the Apple Intelligence features. These features are expected to launch gradually, with some, such as the new Siri, potentially not available for testing until January and not ready for official release until early 2025.
The rollout of these AI features is anticipated to be exclusive to newer Apple hardware, such as iPads and Macs with an M-series chip, or the iPhone 15 Pro. While the delayed release may seem disappointing to some, it is a cautious approach taken by Apple to avoid the pitfalls experienced by other tech giants like Microsoft, who faced setbacks with rushed AI-powered features in their products.
Apple’s meticulous approach to introducing generative AI features aims to ensure a seamless and secure user experience, prioritizing quality over speed in the implementation process. This strategy contrasts with Microsoft’s challenges in successfully integrating AI capabilities into its products, highlighting the importance of careful planning and testing in the development of innovative technologies.