Despite Apple's decision to delay Personalized Siri, iOS 18 is still a significant update, considering the number of features it brings to the iPhone. Apple Intelligence, specifically, plays a vital role in bringing the industry's key features to the platform. Apple still appears to be struggling in China regarding smartphone shipments, and there are a few reasons for that. iPhone users in China do not have access to Apple Intelligence at this stage, and iOS 18.5 will possibly bring support for Apple's AI features in the region.
Apple will launch Apple Intelligence in China early in May, which could boost sales in the region
We have previously reported that Apple has been consistently falling behind Xiaomi, Huawei, Vivo, and Oppo in China, as local smartphones are offering innovative designs and feature upgrades. Apple's shipments in China took a massive hit in the first quarter of this year, which resulted in a 9 percent dip compared to the competition. This was the seventh time in a row the company saw a downward trajectory for iPhone shipments in the region, and it should be very concerning for Apple.
China is a massive market for Apple, unlike the North American market, where the company took the top spot in smartphone sales. In China, Apple is being left behind by local companies that are innovating in terms of design and features. Apple, on the other hand, is sticking with the same design and not offering any foldable devices or significant changes, which is causing users to seek innovation elsewhere. Moreover, the lack of Apple Intelligence features is another reason why the iPhone 16 feels like any other older model.
There are indications that two unseen features could make their way to iOS 18.5, which could have an impact on iPhone sales in China. It is being reported that the iOS 18.5 update will enable Apple Intelligence in the region, boosting sales that have been stagnant for a while. New Pride wallpapers are also coming with the update, which is not something that sales rely on, but a new addition is always welcome.
The EU also did not have Apple Intelligence until recently, as Apple enabled the service for the region with its iOS 18.4 update. Apple has noticed the trend that Apple Intelligence availability and iPhone sales had a directly proportional relationship, suggesting that sales were higher in regions where the service was available. While Apple has not officially announced the availability of Apple Intelligence in China, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg claims that the company was "aiming for a launch as early as May." Apple will release iOS 18.5 in May, so be sure to keep an eye out.
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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