Apple Intelligence features are the main attraction for the next major update to iOS. The iOS 18 update will come with several new Artificial Intelligence (AI) features, however, a new report claims that not all of these features may be available at launch. This is said to negatively impact the sales of the iPhone 16 series, as Apple is reportedly relying on these AI features to nudge people to buy the upcoming smartphones. ChatGPT-related features are said to be unavailable when the stable version of iOS 18 is released.
Apple may see a phased release of intelligence features
According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Cupertino-based tech giant Apple is planning to release intelligence features in a gradual manner. This means that some features will be available when iOS 18 is released, while others may take until 2025 to arrive.
Some analysts have reportedly suggested a “super cycle” for the iPhone 16. Supercycle refers to increased sales numbers of a device due to the inclusion of key or in-demand features or capabilities. Industry veterans are said to believe that Apple Intelligence could cause a similar impact on iPhone 16 sales. This will mean that more people will either buy into the iPhone ecosystem or upgrade their existing devices to the iPhone 16 models.
However, Gurman claims this is unlikely due to Apple’s shaky approach to releasing AI features and the lack of any major hardware upgrades. The iPhone 16 series is expected to bring camera improvements, a new processor, a new capture button, and more. As a result, Apple Intelligence will become a major driver of sales.
According to Gurman, while features like writing tools, notification summaries, removing objects from images, transcription for phone calls, and more will be available when iOS 18 rolls out, some key features like ChatGPT integration and a revamped Siri won’t be available. Will be available by the end of this year or early 2025.
Additionally, Apple Intelligence will not be fully available in the EU and China due to policy restrictions in the respective countries. The report also highlights that most consumers are not well-versed in AI, and may not be as interested in it as the iPhone maker hopes.
However, it is still too early to claim whether Apple Intelligence can help the company sell more devices. The tech giant is all set to host the “It’s Glowtime” event on Monday, where it is expected to formally introduce the iPhone 16 series along with other devices. Only once the upcoming iPhone devices go on sale will it be possible to gauge whether consumers are buying into the idea of AI, which may not come true when you take the device out of the box.
