Apple to Delay AI Image Playground and Genmoji to iOS 18.2 [Gurman]

Apple will delay some of its artificial intelligence features beyond the release of iOS 18.0 and iOS 18.1, according to a new report from Mark Gurman. This means an even slower rollout of Apple Intelligence features than previously expected.

Even if everything goes smoothly, the Apple Intelligence introduction will be slow and staggered. The iPhone 16 won't even ship with the capabilities when it goes on sale later this month. The features will start rolling out as part of iOS 18.1 software updates in October.

Apple has already released an iOS 18.1 beta to developers, which contains AI features like summaries of notifications and web content, writing tools, photo Clean Up, automatic phone call transcription, and prioritized emails. These features are not available in the iOS 18.0 beta, meaning they won't be available at launch for iPhone 16.




Previous reports have alleged that ChatGPT integration won't happen until later this year and major new Siri features won't arrive until next year. Now, Gurman says that two more features have been pushed back.

Apple made the decision to delay its new image-generation features to iOS 18.2 (rather than 18.1), which is scheduled for release in December. That includes the Image Playground app and the Genmoji capability, which uses AI to make emoji based on inputted text.

Gurman suggests this staggered approach to launching AI features for iOS 18 could have a muting effect on iPhone 16 sales, making a super cycle for iPhone 16 unlikely. However, come fall of 2025, Apple will have many of its AI features in place. Additionally, it plans to unveil a new look for iPhone, which could combine to drive significant sales.


Apple is set to unveil its next generation iPhone 16 lineup at an 'It's Glowtime' event tomorrow September 9. The iPhone 16 lineup is expected to offer new features, such as a dedicated capture button, faster processors, and slightly larger displays on the Pro models. However, it won't be drastically different from the iPhone 15. You can check out some more of the rumored specs here.

In addition to the iPhone, Apple will likely unveil new Apple Watch models and AirPods at the event. The Apple Watch Series 10 is expected to feature significant updates, including a thinner design and larger displays. The AirPods lineup could get new low-end and mid-tier models, with the mid-tier version gaining noise cancellation for the first time. There may also be an update to AirPods Pro.

Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for full coverage of the event!