Apple, earlier this month, launched their new iPhone 16 lineup. And while Apple did introduce a lot of new changes and features, the response Apple got from the users was a mixed bag to say the least.
People just didn’t seem too into the iPhone 16 Pro models, with some even criticizing Apple, saying the top of the line iPhone 16 Pro Max did not offer much of an upgrade.
While the opinions of users can be subjective, one of the reasons why Apple is getting a seemingly underwhelming response for the new iPhone 16 series is the thing that Apple built these new iPhones “ground up” for, the shiny new Apple Intelligence features. They were not a part of the official iPhone 16 launch event.
The iPhone 16 models have already started shipping, and people who bought the new iPhones won’t have Apple Intelligence on them. Even if they did launch with it, people are not that into it. The Apple Intelligence will be coming to the iPhones next month with the public release of iOS 18.1, and even then, features like ChatGPT integration and the ability to generate images and emojis will be added at a later date.
While the Apple Intelligence features have not officially launched, Apple is giving some users early access to the features through the iOS 18.1 Beta release. As of now, users who have opted into the iOS beta program can download and install it on their—well, here’s the thing.
Apple Intelligence is only officially supported on the new iPhone 16 models and the Pro models from last year. So, if someone already has an iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max, or they just received their brand new iPhone 16, they can download the beta release and try out the Apple Intelligence features like the new Siri animation and writing suggestions before the official rollout next month in October.
Now, one could argue that Apple is letting more people try out the AI features so they can go out and buy the new iPhone 16 models. But I don’t know how much of a difference it makes or if it makes a difference at all. Apple users who already have an iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max don’t need to upgrade, as they would get the Apple Intelligence features anyway, and the Pro models from last year are still pretty capable phones. For others, for one, they can’t try out the Apple Intelligence features, and second, they are not going to get it anyway, and that makes for a lot of people.
Are you excited for the upcoming Apple Intelligence features? Well, Apple says you have to have the latest iPhone for that. Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and I’ll see you around.