After months of anticipation and delays, Apple is set to launch its Apple Intelligence feature next week, integrated into iOS 18.1. This release is critical for Apple's future as it may influence iPhone sales and the company's market value. The decision to not launch Apple Intelligence alongside the iPhone 16 has been linked to initial sluggish sales of the new device.
Apple Intelligence will introduce several features, including a writing toolkit, photo cleanup tools, notification summaries, and enhanced Siri capabilities. However, expectations are low as early users have expressed disappointment, noting that the AI functionality doesn't match offerings from competitors like Google and OpenAI.
The release of iOS 18.2, currently in developer preview, promises to be a potential game-changer with enhanced AI tools. This version will include text rewriting, Genmoji, AI image generation, and integration with OpenAI's ChatGPT, providing a more advanced Siri experience.
Despite Apple's efforts, the delay in Apple Intelligence's release has impacted iPhone 16 sales. Analysts report that initial sales have been underwhelming, partly due to the lack of AI features. In response, Apple has cut iPhone 16 orders by 10 million units. Moreover, Apple's market share in China has decreased, although the company still holds the second position there.
As global market dynamics shift, Apple's AI advancements are under scrutiny. Analysts remain divided on Apple's future, with some suggesting potential declines if market expectations aren't met. Others believe Apple Intelligence could eventually make Apple a key player in the consumer AI revolution.
