Insider says iOS 18 updates will bring Apple Intelligence in stages
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According to a new report, Apple's much-anticipated Apple Intelligence features will be gradually introduced to qualifying iPhones through a series of iOS 18 updates, starting in late 2024 and continuing into early 2025. While users can expect exciting new capabilities like email and message summaries, enhanced writing tools, and improved photo editing with the initial iOS 18.1 release, major Siri upgrades and support for additional languages won't be available until later updates.
The iOS 18 update timeline
Bloomberg’s Apple insider Mark Gurman has outlined the phased rollout plan for Apple Intelligence features, with three major iOS updates planned before the end of the year, as follows:
- iOS 18.1 (Mid-October): This initial update will bring the first round of Apple Intelligence features, focusing on email and message management, writing tools, photo editing, and call recording/transcription.
- iOS 18.2 (Early December): Users can expect marquee features like lock-screen notification prioritizing, Image Playground, Genmoji, and the initial integration of ChatGPT with Siri. This update will also expand Apple Intelligence's localized English support to several new countries.
- iOS 18.3 (Late December): Primarily a bug-fix update for iOS 18.2, this release may also include some new Siri features, such as Personal Context and deeper app integration.
Following iOS 18.3, a significant gap is expected before the release of iOS 18.4, which will finally bring the highly anticipated Siri upgrades and support for languages other than English, including Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish. This update is tentatively scheduled for March 2025.
Chat to Siri. | Images credit — PhoneArena
Apple's strategy
Apple's decision to stagger the rollout of Apple Intelligence features represents a strategic move to maintain user engagement and excitement over an extended period. By gradually introducing new capabilities, the company hopes to keep users in "new feature discovery" mode, encouraging them to explore and adopt these features at their own pace.
However, this approach carries risks, particularly concerning the delayed availability of local language support and its potential impact on international sales. Additionally, with Google's Android platform already offering similar AI features and continuously innovating, Apple faces stiff competition in the AI space.
The other side of that same coin is that this phased rollout could benefit users by allowing them to gradually incorporate Apple Intelligence features into their workflows, rather than being overwhelmed with a slew of new capabilities all at once. However, the downside is that users eagerly anticipating specific features, such as the upgraded Siri or support for their native language, will have to wait several months or even longer.
I find the phased rollout of Apple Intelligence intriguing. While the gradual introduction of new features could help users adapt and appreciate each addition, the extended wait for major upgrades, especially for non-English speakers, is disappointing. I'm also curious to see how Apple's strategy fares against the rapid advancements in AI features on the Android platform. As a consumer, I'm excited about the potential of Apple Intelligence but also cautious about the potential limitations and delays.
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