With each new iPhone release, advances and innovations are always expected. This year the main feature of the upcoming iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro—Apple Intelligence—will be delayed until October, but Apple has decided to keep the hardware release date.
First the iPhone, then Apple Intelligence
According to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter published this weekend, the delay of Apple Intelligence will not affect the launch of the iPhone. Apple Intelligence is a very significant update for this year’s iPhone, especially considering that it is currently only compatible with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Despite its importance, this feature will not be available in the initial release of iOS 18 in September, but it is expected to be included in the iOS 18.1 update, which should arrive before the end of the year.
According to Gurman, the release of the new iPhone 16 models is scheduled to follow the usual September schedule, with the probable date of September 10, as it was last year. This means that we can purchase the new devices then and update the software to receive all the new features offered by Apple Intelligence in October.
The movement makes sense. The promise of the arrival of Apple Intelligence just a few weeks after the launch is something to take into account. Also worth noting is the fact that we expect the most advanced features of Apple Intelligence, such as a new version of Siri, to be added in a later update of iOS 18m which is scheduled for spring 2025.
It should be noted that while one of the main reasons to upgrade to the iPhone 16 lies in Apple Intelligence, the hardware innovations also carry their own weight. A larger screen, substantial improvements in the cameras, more battery life and faster charging, as well as new and elegant colors are truly enticing.
Even though the main feature of the iPhone 16 will be delayed, Apple’s commitment to its release cycle prevails. A stable, long-term schedule allows us to organize our upgrades and purchases according to our needs. With Apple Intelligence just around the corner, the calendar will be back to normal. So, if you want to prepare not only for what you can already do with Apple Intelligence but also for everything that is yet to come, plan to visit the Apple Store this September.
