Apple's Advanced AI Features for iOS 18 and iPhone 16 Facing Potential Delays
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Bad news: two of the best Apple Intelligence features might be delayed until iOS 18.2
Genmoji and Image Playground in Apple Intelligence (Image credit: Apple / Future) Apple's annual September launch event is happening today (follow along with our iPhone 16 event live blog for the latest updates), and while we already had an inkling that certain Apple Intelligence features might be delayed until after the initial rollout of iOS 18, we're now hearing that two of the most exciting new AI tools could be held up until December. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple now plans to launch Image Playground and Genmoji in iOS 18.2, which is likely to begin rolling out at the end of the year. Image Playground will allow users to create generative images in various iPhone apps like Messages or Notes, while Genmoji is essentially a custom emoji generator. Apple Intelligence will almost certainly be the key selling point of today's "It's Glowtime" Apple event, but the first Apple Intelligence features aren't expected to become available on compatible iPhones until the release of iOS 18.1. At that point - likely October - iPhone users will receive access to a handful of AI tools including Clean Up and writing assistance, but, as Gurman reports, Image Playground and Genmoji look set to debut at a later date. As disappointing as this latest tip will be for prospective iPhone 16 owners, certain Apple Intelligence features are rumored to be delayed until 2025, which makes December seem like a comparatively short time to wait. Those delayed features include the full version of Apple's new and improved Siri - it may launch in 2024, but it reportedly won't be fully integrated into compatible iPhones until 2025 - and new features in the Mail app. As for which iPhones will be compatible with Apple Intelligence, Apple has confirmed that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the only currently available iPhones that possess enough processing power to handle Apple Intelligence tasks. The entire iPhone 16 line, however, will almost certainly be compatible with Apple's new AI toolset, since the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are reportedly set for an 8GB RAM upgrade (incidentally, here's why RAM could be the key to Apple Intelligence). Despite the rumored delays to all of the aforementioned Apple Intelligence features, we're hoping that Apple still shows some of them off at today's Apple event. Perhaps we'll even get to take the likes of Image Playground and Genmoji for a spin during a post-launch hands-on session. If so, we'll of course be sharing our first impressions. To tune into the iPhone 16 launch event yourself, here's how to watch the iPhone 16 launch live. Alternatively, check out our iPhone 16 event live blog for the latest on-the-ground updates from Cupertino.
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iOS 18.2: Apple iPhone 16 series to debut without advanced AI features
The iPhone 16 series will be launching today, but without advanced Apple Intelligence features. While select artificial intelligence (AI) features are expected to roll out next month, more advanced generative AI tools, such as Genmoji for AI-generated emojis and Image Playground for image generation, are expected to arrive with the iOS 18.2 update either in December or early next year.
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Apple's highly anticipated AI features for iOS 18 and iPhone 16 may be delayed. The company is reportedly struggling to implement on-device processing for these advanced capabilities.
Apple's AI Ambitions Hit a Snag
In a surprising turn of events, Apple's plans to introduce cutting-edge artificial intelligence features with iOS 18 and the iPhone 16 series may face significant delays. According to recent reports, two of the most anticipated AI capabilities might not be ready in time for the initial release of iOS 18
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.The Delayed Features
The features in question are reportedly large language models (LLMs) and generative AI technologies. These advanced AI capabilities were expected to revolutionize how users interact with their iPhones, potentially offering more intuitive and powerful experiences across various applications
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.On-Device Processing Challenges
One of the primary reasons for the potential delay is Apple's commitment to on-device processing for these AI features. Unlike some competitors who rely on cloud-based solutions, Apple aims to perform AI tasks directly on the iPhone. This approach ensures better privacy and faster performance but presents significant technical challenges
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.Possible Release Timeline
While the exact release date for these features remains uncertain, industry insiders suggest they might be introduced with iOS 18.2 or even iOS 18.4. This could mean a delay of several months from the initial iOS 18 release, which is typically unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June
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.Impact on iPhone 16 Series
The delay could also affect the launch of the iPhone 16 series. Apple's new flagship devices, expected to debut in September 2024, may not showcase these advanced AI capabilities at launch. This situation could potentially impact the marketing and consumer appeal of the new iPhone lineup
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Apple's AI Strategy
Despite these setbacks, Apple remains committed to integrating AI into its ecosystem. The company has been working on various AI projects, including improvements to Siri and other native applications. The delay in releasing these specific features underscores Apple's cautious approach to implementing new technologies, prioritizing reliability and user experience
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.Industry Competition
As Apple faces these challenges, competitors in the smartphone market are rapidly advancing their AI offerings. Companies like Google and Samsung have already introduced generative AI features in their latest devices, potentially putting pressure on Apple to accelerate its development process
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.Looking Ahead
While the delay may disappoint some Apple enthusiasts, it's important to note that the company's focus on on-device processing could ultimately lead to more robust and privacy-centric AI features. As development continues, users and industry watchers alike will be keenly observing Apple's progress in this critical technological domain
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