Apple enthusiasts anticipating the release of iOS 18 may be a bit disappointed, as two of its most exciting AI-powered features—Image Playground and Genmoji—will be delayed. Originally expected to be included in iOS 18, these features are now slated for iOS 18.2, which is likely to be released by the end of 2024 instead of Apple event in September 2024 .
What’s Being Delayed?
- Image Playground: Apple’s cutting-edge image tool was supposed to debut with iOS 18, allowing users to generate and manipulate images using AI right inside the Photos app. This feature would have enabled users to modify existing photos or create entirely new ones, leveraging machine learning to enhance creativity and simplify complex edits.
- Genmoji: Another fan-favorite feature that will be delayed is Genmoji. With this, users could have created personalized emojis using AI-generated avatars, reflecting their style and personality. This would have taken emoji customization to a new level, letting users inject even more of their unique character into digital conversations.
Why is Apple Delaying These Features?
The delay is due to Apple’s ongoing efforts to fine-tune its AI tools before a widespread release. While these features were expected to headline the Glowtime event, Apple has decided to hold them back, ensuring the final version will offer the highest level of performance and reliability. The tech giant is known for its cautious approach, especially when it comes to integrating advanced AI into its ecosystem. Apple likely wants to ensure seamless integration of these tools before their global release.
Other AI Enhancements Still Expected in iOS 18
Though these two features are delayed, iOS 18 will still bring several exciting AI-powered updates. Apple is continuing to push its intelligent virtual assistant, Siri, with smarter voice recognition and more refined interaction capabilities. Moreover, expect performance enhancements to iOS’s core systems, integrating AI for better battery management and more adaptive user experiences. While Image Playground and Genmoji are delayed, the broader focus on AI within iOS 18 will still make the upgrade worthwhile.
What Does iOS 18.2 Mean for Users?
The delay pushes these key AI features into iOS 18.2, which Apple aims to release by December 2024. While the timing may feel like a setback, the overall wait shouldn’t be too long. iOS 18.2 will package these much-awaited features along with any necessary refinements and bug fixes from the iOS 18 rollout, meaning users will get the best version of Apple’s new intelligence features.
Apple’s AI Strategy
This staggered release could signal a new strategy for Apple, in which it slowly rolls out groundbreaking features to ensure the highest quality. Unlike competitors who release AI features immediately, Apple is taking a more calculated approach, particularly after observing the rapid evolution of AI across its competitors’ products. While this might create short-term frustration for users, it ultimately results in more polished and reliable tools that work seamlessly across devices.
Final Thoughts
The news of delays is disappointing for Apple fans who were eager to try out Image Playground and Genmoji, but the good news is that they are still coming. With the new expected release in iOS 18.2 by the end of 2024, users won’t have to wait too long for these advanced AI tools to land on their devices. In the meantime, iOS 18 will still introduce several other AI enhancements, so there’s plenty to look forward to as Apple continues to lead the AI revolution in mobile technology.
