As Apple gears up for its highly anticipated It's Glowtime event today, new reports suggest that some of the most exciting artificial intelligence features for the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup may not be available at launch. Instead, users might have to wait until December for the full suite of AI capabilities.
Staggered Release for Apple Intelligence
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple plans to introduce its AI features, collectively known as Apple Intelligence, in phases:
- iOS 18.1 (Expected October): Initial AI tools including Clean Up and writing assistance
- iOS 18.2 (Expected December): Image Playground and Genmoji
This staged rollout means that two of the most anticipated features - Image Playground for AI image generation and Genmoji for custom emoji creation - won't be available until the end of the year.
Hardware Requirements and Compatibility
Apple has confirmed that current-generation devices will have limited access to these AI features:
- Only iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max have sufficient processing power for Apple Intelligence
- All iPhone 16 models are expected to be fully compatible
- iPhone 16 and 16 Plus rumored to receive 8GB RAM upgrade, likely to support AI features
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| This image illustrates various messaging capabilities on smartphones, reflecting Apple's upcoming AI features like custom emoji creation |
Longer-Term AI Roadmap
Some Apple Intelligence features face even longer delays:
- Full version of improved Siri: Expected 2024, with complete integration by 2025
- New AI-powered Mail app features: Potentially delayed until 2025
What to Expect at Today's Event
While some features may be delayed, Apple is still likely to showcase its AI capabilities during the iPhone 16 launch event. Attendees and viewers can expect:
- Overview of Apple Intelligence and its potential impact
- Demonstrations of initially available AI tools
- Possible hands-on sessions with upcoming features like Image Playground and Genmoji
Potential Pricing and Availability Concerns
Recent speculation suggests that access to Apple's AI features might come at an additional cost:
- Rumored $20 per month subscription for Apple Intelligence
- Potential limitations on availability in EU countries due to regulatory concerns
As the event unfolds, more details about feature availability, pricing, and regional restrictions are likely to emerge. Stay tuned for updates as Apple reveals its vision for AI-powered iPhones.
