We already knew that AI features on Apple devices would come later in Europe. Now, it has turned out Apple Intelligence missed the initial rollout of iOS 18.
As Bloomberg reports, iOS 18 is due in September, while the initial Apple Intelligence features won’t appear until October. The suite of AI features for iPhones, iPads and Macs is expected to drive much of Apple’s marketing for new devices, including the iPhone 16 series.
Still access for developers
Apple is already rolling out Apple Intelligence to developers. Test versions of iOS 18.1 and iPad 18.1 are set to appear this week. In effect, postponing the AI offering gives these developers more time than was previously the idea, as this developer variant was previously scheduled for this period.
Apple’s WWDC event in June heralded the debut of Apple Intelligence, which comes in part from a partnership with ChatGPT maker OpenAI. It is the iOS counterpart to a fleet of AI features on Android, as used on Google Pixel phones or under the name Galaxy AI on premium Samsung smartphones.
Read more: Apple WWDC24: AI equals Apple Intelligence and partnership with OpenAI
EU perils
While the launch date for Apple Intelligence is now October, Europeans will have to wait even longer. Due to problems with the Digital Markets Act, the iPhone maker is afraid to release the features here already. “We are concerned that the integrity of our products could be harmed by the DMA. This could lead to users’ privacy and data being compromised,” Apple informed.
Also read: Apple Intelligence not yet for European iPhones and Macs
This is far from the first time Apple has experienced problems with European regulations. For example, it was forced to allow sideloading outside its own App Store at the insistence of Brussels. Its implementation seemed almost purposefully incomplete. For example, Apple refuses to fully guarantee the security of external apps. Only a half-baked check for apps outside the App Store apparently suffices.