What Apple Intelligence promised, but doesn't come with iOS 18.1

As is well known, Apple is introducing its AI functions gradually: the first features of Apple Intelligence will start in the USA at the end of October, while EU users have to be patient. But: Not all announced functions will be implemented promptly.

Delayed launch for Apple Intelligence

Apple caused a stir by announcing its AI capabilities under the name Apple Intelligence. But the start is bumpier than expected – both in the USA and in the European Union. While at least some features will be available in the United States by the end of October, European users will have to wait longer. The first six features of Apple Intelligence are expected to launch in the US with iOS 18.1 in late October. These include, among other things, improved writing tools, summaries and intelligent answers.

However, many of the most exciting features will only be added at a later date. How MacRumors reportssome of the most interesting features will not be available initially. For example, users have to wait for “Image Playground” – an app that is supposed to make it possible to generate cartoon-like images based on text descriptions. “Genmoji”, which is intended to be used to create individually designed emojis, will also be introduced later. These are just a few examples of known delays.

European users generally have to be patient

For users in the European Union, the situation looks even more complicated. Due to regulatory challenges, Apple has put the launch of Apple Intelligence in Europe on hold for the time being.

The group sees the EU’s demands for opening up its technology to third-party providers as a potential security risk. Despite the delayed launch, analysts see long-term potential in Apple’s AI strategy. Edison Lee, an analyst at Jefferies, emphasized Apple’s advantage through the integrated hardware-software solution. However, he doesn’t expect “serious” AI performance until 2026 or 2027, when smartphone hardware has been redesigned accordingly.

Language support

Currently, Apple Intelligence only supports US English. Support for additional languages, including German, is planned for next year. Apple plans to expand the functionality of Apple Intelligence across multiple iOS updates. With iOS 18.2, which is expected before the end of 2024, Image Playground and Genmoji are to be introduced. The most comprehensive Siri extensions are not expected to be available until iOS 18.4 in March 2025.