The launch of the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro has been met with mixed feelings as Apple’s promised Apple Intelligence Update for Siri seems to be lagging behind. Whereas the company boasted that some of the ambitious AI-based changes aimed at improving the usability were scheduled for significant updates, the truth is that all of these bifurcations will not actually be launched until January 2025, having the devices launched on the market in the meantime.
Apple’s decision to opt for a gradual release of the Apple Intelligence Update has left many users feeling underwhelmed. The current iPhone 16 models offer some helpful AI-infused features, such as writing tools and mail summaries, but they fall short of the hype surrounding the Apple Intelligence Update.
The Roadmap for Siri’s Apple Intelligence Update
According to Bloomberg’s PowerOn newsletter, the Apple Intelligence Update will be rolled out in stages. iOS 18.1, currently in public beta, is expected to launch next, introducing a revamped Control Center and Type to Siri capabilities. This update is expected to be out in October 2024.
iOS 18.2, due in December 2024, will be the significant Apple Intelligence Update dump. This version would entail Genmoji, ChatGPT,.Image Playground – Apple’s response to Gemini by Google and Galaxy AI of Samsung. It will also include a better notification prioritization mechanism being a pillar for the implementation of the smart city.
The Big Kahuna: iOS 18.3 and Siri’s Full Potential
The most significant update for Siri and the Apple Intelligence Update will come with iOS 18.3. Out particulars are still sparse but this version should finally bring out the full potential of Siri, namely on-screen awareness and ability to recognize the user. But for those apps, users will have to wait until at least January 2025 for the features, that comes at least three months after the iPhone 16 will be out.
Last year, Apple was planning to roll out all the AI-supported features in Siri with the iOS 18.4 but due to research and development disagreement among fans waiting for a new release, they may release it soon. Nonetheless, the Apple Intelligence Update that truly showcases the power of AI won’t arrive until next year.
The Importance of a Gradual Rollout
While the delay in the Apple Intelligence Update may be frustrating for some users, Apple’s approach to a gradual rollout is not without merit. In this case, Apple ensures that each feature is tested to ensure that it is functional before being released to the public in order to minimize the problems it has seen its rival Google, experience with Gemini, which has left most Android users feeling disappointed.
iOS 18.1, set to launch in October, will bring the first taste of the Apple Intelligence Update to Siri. Users can attend to actually conversing with a digital assistant, which wakes up with the word ‘Siri’ and understanding normal speech including filler words like ‘umms’.
The Balancing Act: Quality vs. Timely Delivery
The problem that Apple has to solve is: how to satisfy the customers’ demand for innovative AI technologies and optimize the product usability at the same time? While the company may have missed the mark in terms of meeting user expectations at launch, its commitment to a gradual rollout of the Apple Intelligence Update demonstrates a focus on delivering a polished and reliable product.
Even as an Android user who dealt with Google testing Gemini, I can understand the precaution Apple takes. It will be advisable to have a current and reliable digital assistant than an incessant and unrealistic one.
Final Thought
The delay in Siri’s Apple Intelligence Update may be disappointing for those who were eagerly anticipating a fully AI-powered experience from day one. However, what can be said is that Apple having aimed at the quality rather than the speed during their work on iPhone made the right decision of the firm.
As users await the arrival of the Apple Intelligence Update, they can take comfort in knowing that Apple is working diligently to ensure that Siri’s AI capabilities live up to the hype. Siri will get better with each subsequent update and each successive release will make it smarter, more user friendly and useful, until we get the revolution in voice interaction that Apple has promised.
In the meantime, iPhone 16 and 16 Pro users can enjoy the already impressive features that these devices offer, while looking forward to the exciting Apple Intelligence Update that will revolutionize the way they interact with their digital assistant. As the saying goes time and tide waits for no man.
