iPhone 16 Series to push a September launch even without Apple Intelligence

Apple’s highly anticipated suite of AI features, Apple Intelligence, won’t be ready in time for the iPhone 16 Series launch. Despite this, the Cupertino giant is pressing forward with its traditional September release schedule for the new iPhone lineup.

While Apple Intelligence is expected to be the biggest highlight for the new iPhone 16 Series, Mark Gurman says Apple is taking a “different tack”.

This marks a departure from Apple’s past practice of holding back new iPhone releases until software features are fully polished. The iPhone 4S, for example, was delayed until October in 2011 as iCloud features and the new Siri were not ready for an earlier release back then.

While this might disappoint early adopters in markets like the US, it’s less of an issue for regions like the Philippines where new iPhone models typically arrive at a later date.

As seen in the beta release, iOS 18.1 included AI features such as writing tools, and the new Siri. Although some other key features like Genmoji are still missing from the said beta release.

Image/ The Apple Hub

The new iPhone 16 Series is said to launch around the same time as last year, likely by September 10th.