Two of Apple’s top AI features might be delayed until iOS 18.2

Apple fans eager for the latest AI-driven features from Apple Intelligence may have to wait longer than expected for two of the most anticipated tools: Image Playground and Genmoji. As per the reports, these features are now expected to launch with the iOS 18.2 update, likely arriving by the end of the year, instead of being included in the initial iOS 18 release.

Image Playground, designed to let users create generative images within apps like Messages and Notes, and Genmoji, a tool that enables users to generate custom emojis, were originally expected to be part of iOS 18. However, the current roadmap suggests they’ll arrive in the 18.2 update, which would push their availability to December. This delay is disappointing for iPhone enthusiasts, especially those eager to test these advanced AI features on the new iPhone 16 series, which is expected to launch soon.

While the September Apple event — dubbed “It’s Glowtime” — is anticipated to focus heavily on Apple Intelligence, the initial batch of AI tools will be available in iOS 18.1, which should roll out in October. Features like Clean Up and writing assistance will make their debut in that update, but the delay of Image Playground and Genmoji may take some of the shine off the new AI capabilities.

There are even longer delays to other Apple Intelligence features, including the full version of the revamped Siri. While Siri may launch as early as 2024, it’s unlikely to be fully integrated into iPhones until 2025. Other delayed features include enhancements to the Mail app.

Apple has confirmed that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are currently the only models with sufficient processing power for Apple Intelligence tasks. However, the iPhone 16 series is anticipated to feature advanced AI capabilities, thanks to a substantial hardware upgrade, including an increase to 8GB of RAM.

Despite the delays, iPhone 16 enthusiasts are hopeful that Apple will showcase the upcoming AI tools during the September event, with the possibility of hands-on demonstrations of Image Playground and Genmoji. These features represent the next big step for Apple’s AI-powered future, and even with a delayed launch, they are likely to be worth the wait.