Highlights

• Key Apple Intelligence features are now delayed until the iOS 18.2 update in December.
• These include the Image Playground app and Genmoji feature.
• Apple Intelligence will roll out in October with the iOS 18.1 update.
• All features will not be available immediately.

Apple Intelligence was introduced to the world earlier this year with fanfare during WWDC 2024. It is going to be a key highlight in the upcoming Apple products and every Apple fan is excited to explore these new features that we have mostly seen in demos until now. However, if you’re excited to try Apple’s new AI-powered image generation features on your iPhone after the upcoming launch, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

Recent reports suggest while Apple Intelligence will roll out in October, you may need to wait until December before key Apple Intelligence features are available on the devices.

According to Bloomberg’s Apple reporter Mark Gurman, two key AI features have been pushed back even further until December. The iOS 18.2 update is expected to arrive in December.

These delayed features include the Image Playground app and the Genmoji feature. The Image Playground app allows users to generate images based on concepts or prompts. On the other hand, the Genmoji feature lets you create new emojis through your keyboard, even using people from your photos as inspiration.

To wave off confusion, let’s start from the beginning.

Apple had previously announced that these Apple Intelligence AI features would be available this fall in a beta version.

However, it was later reported that Apple Intelligence might not be included in the iPhone 16 devices at launch. Users will have to wait until the iOS 18.1 update in October.

What this means is the Apple products getting launched in the upcoming September 9 event won’t have Apple Intellignce features out of the box. Users, however, will get Apple Intelligence in the October iOS 18.1 update and then wait till December for the iOS 18.2 update to explore more features like AI Image Generation.

This delay follows earlier news that an upgraded version of Siri. It is expected to come with enhanced natural language processing, “hundreds of new actions”  and more advanced features. This too, as per reports, won’t be available until spring 2025.

So, don’t expect all of Apple’s new AI features to be ready when the iPhone 16 series.

It is interesting to note that the update comes after Google raised the bar with the AI features on its Pixel 9 series. The Google AI features include tools such as Pixel Studio for image generation, the Gemini Live assistant, and advanced screenshot organization tools.

Key features of Apple Intelligence that we know of include

• Image Playground: Tool to generate images based on concepts or prompts.
• Genmoji: You would be able to create new emojis using people from your photos.
• Writing Tools: Proofread text, rewrite for different tones, and summarize selected text.
• Enhanced Siri: Improved natural language processing and contextual understanding.
• Priority Notifications: Summarised and prioritised notifications to reduce interruptions.
• Smart Replies: Quick email responses with relevant details.
• Custom Memory Movies: Create movies based on the descriptions you provide.

FAQs

What are the Apple AI features delayed until December?

Answer. The Image Playground app and Genmoji feature have been delayed until the iOS 18.2 update in December. These features allow users to generate images and create new emojis based on prompts and photos.

When will Apple Intelligence be available on new Apple devices?

Answer. Apple Intelligence will roll out in October with the iOS 18.1 update. However, not all features will be available immediately, with some delayed until December.

What does the Image Playground App do in Apple AI?

Answer. The upcoming Image Playground app allows users to generate images based on concepts or prompts.

 What is Genmoji?

Answer. Genmoji is the upcoming Apple intelligence feature that lets you create new emojis through your keyboard, even using people from your photos as inspiration.

What SIRI upgrades are expected in upcoming iPhones?

Answer. SIRI is expected to be upgraded with enhanced natural language processing, “hundreds of new actions” and more advanced features. However, as per reports, it won’t be available until spring 2025.

How Apple describes Image Playground:

Produce fun, original images in seconds with the Image Playground experience right in your apps. Create an entirely new image based on a description, suggested concepts, and even a person from your Photos library. You can easily adjust the style and make changes to match a Messages thread, your Freeform board, or a slide in Keynote.

How Apple describes Genmoji:

Make a brand-new Genmoji right in the keyboard to match any conversation. Provide a description to see a preview, and adjust your description until it’s perfect. You can even pick someone from your Photos library and create a Genmoji that looks like them.

Also Read: Apple Intelligence: AI-Powered Enhancements Boost Company Stock to Record High

Also Read: Apple to Integrate OpenAI Technology in iOS 18: Enhancing AI Features