Gurman: iPhone 16 nonetheless launching in September regardless of Apple Intelligence delay

On this weekend’s Energy On publication, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has clarified that regardless of Apple Intelligence not launching till October, Apple gained’t be delaying the discharge of the brand new iPhone 16 fashions.

Final week, Apple Intelligence was pushed to iOS 18.1, ensuing within the characteristic set lacking the preliminary iOS 18 launch in September. Apple Intelligence is anticipated to play an enormous function in making the upcoming iPhone 16 fashions extra interesting to clients, particularly contemplating that solely the highest-end iPhone 15 Professional fashions at present assist these options.

Up to now, Apple has delayed new iPhone releases because of software program options not having the ability but. For instance, the iPhone 4S was delayed till October as a result of the brand new Siri and iCloud options wouldn’t be prepared for the standard June launch again then. Whereas that instance was over 10 years in the past, it’s nonetheless value fascinated about.

Today, Apple sometimes releases the iPhone in September. However it faces the same conundrum. Apple Intelligence — a core characteristic of the iPhone 16 — gained’t be prepared till October. This time, although, Apple is taking a distinct tack and gained’t maintain again the brand new {hardware} till the providers are prepared. I’m advised that the iPhone launch will happen across the similar time as final yr — a fast take a look at the calendar makes Sept. 10 a possible date — and customers might want to improve their new {hardware} to iOS 18.1 in October to get rolling with Apple Intelligence.

Apple Intelligence launched in beta final week with a number of the preliminary options, comparable to Writing Instruments and Reminiscence Technology in Photographs. The brand new Siri interface additionally shipped, though many of the Siri upgrades and ChatGPT integration aren’t current but. Different huge options like Genmoji and Picture Playground are additionally lacking from the prevailing beta.

Whereas Apple Intelligence options are prone to be a major improve for customers, I agree that it’s not value delaying the telephones. In spite of everything, the all-new Siri gained’t be obtainable till a later iOS 18 replace subsequent spring, which is probably going what most customers will likely be considering.

Gurman reiterates that iPhones will launch across the similar time as final yr, possible round September tenth. Customers must replace to iOS 18.1 just a few weeks later to expertise the primary Apple Intelligence options.