Apple AI features may not be ready for September software launch

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Apple may not release its new AI features for several weeks after its planned September software overhaul, Bloomberg reported.
The later date may allow Apple to fix the bugs, but software developers will have access to Apple Intelligence sooner, the report says.
The news comes as expectations for Apple’s stock to rise this year have risen amid growth in artificial intelligence, and could be a blow to the iPhone maker amid expectations of an AI-driven upgrade cycle.

Apple (AAPL), which is set to report third-quarter financial results on Thursday, likely won’t bring new artificial intelligence (AI) features to its devices for several weeks after its planned September software changes to the iPhone and iPad.

Apple Intelligence, the company’s artificial intelligence system, will be implemented in October after the launch of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, Bloomberg reported.

A later date could allow Apple to fix the bugs, but software developers will gain access to Apple Intelligence as early as this week via beta versions of iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1, the report said.

The news comes after Apple unveiled iOS 18 at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, which was boosted by Apple Intelligence and an AI partnership with OpenAI. That fueled expectations for AI-powered profits, and a later release could lower expectations for the tech giant.

Apple’s AI initiatives, China sales in focus as Apple reports Thursday

Investors will likely be watching for an update on Apple’s AI initiatives when the iPhone maker reports earnings after the close of business on Thursday, as well as how it fares in China. Concerns about slowing sales in China have weighed on Apple shares, but analysts have suggested the third quarter could mark a trough in demand there.

The late introduction of AI features in the latest iPhone would be disappointing for many Apple investors. Wedbush analysts recently stated that Apple could be on track to reach a market capitalization of $4 trillion with the AI-powered iPhone 16.

Apple shares were little changed in intraday trading on Monday. They had gained about 13% this year, amid enthusiasm about Apple’s potential AI gains.