iOS 18 brings a plethora of new visual changes to the iPhone, but despite the new features, one of the biggest additions we are expecting this time around is Apple Intelligence. The company's own rendition of large language models works seamlessly to offer end users various utilities for complex tasks. It was previously speculated that Apple Intelligence would be available to all users in the initial rollout phase of iOS 18, and for the most part, all indicators were pointing in that direction as well. However, it now appears that the company has opted to delay the release of Apple Intelligence until iOS 18.1, but it will be available to developers as soon as this week.
Apple is slated to release Apple Intelligence later than expected, but developers will be able to test it as soon as this week with iOS 18.1
We have previously shared our speculations on when the company could release Apple Intelligence to developers and the general public, and for the most part, our guess was on point for an August launch. However, the final release has shifted to a later date for now, but readers should note that Apple has not issued an official statement on the subject and the latest report only offers speculations based on evidence in the latest betas and the company's past trends.
Mark Gurman has now shared his insights on the release of Apple Intelligence for developers as well as the general public, and needless to say, we might have to wait a little longer for the feature to be released. Gurman coins that Apple will be delaying the release of Apple Intelligence until iOS 18.1, which means that users will not be able to use the prominent AI features on the first iOS 18 install. However, developers will be able to test Apple Intelligence as soon as this week as a beta.
In the updated beta version of iOS 18, Apple has removed evidence of Apple Intelligence, which hints that the feature will be released later than expected. However, the company followed the same approach with its Stage Manager feature for the iPad, as it removed elements from the code belonging to the multitasking interface. The feature was released to developers beforehand, and the final release was part of the iOS 16.1 rollout.
Apple will see fit to release the first beta of iOS 18.1 this week, which will encompass the Apple Intelligence features for testing purposes. If you are a registered developer, be sure to stick around for the the beta update. It makes sense for the company to differentiate iOS 18 from iOS 18.1 in terms of features, as it will give developers more time to test and report bugs and for Apple to fix them before finally making it available to the general public.
It remains to be seen how the company will handle the beta releases, as we have three updates in the queue: iOS 18 beta, iOS 18.1 beta, and the final release of iOS 17.6. We will share more details on the releases as soon as further information is available. Are you excited to test the new Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.1?
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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