KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Apple may not release its new AI features until weeks after its software overhaul planned for September, Bloomberg reported.
- The later time frame could allow Apple to fix bugs, although software developers will have access to Apple Intelligence earlier, the report said.
- The news comes after expectations of AI-powered gains drove Apple’s stock higher this year, and could be a setback for the iPhone maker amid anticipation of an AI-fueled upgrade cycle.
Apple (AAPL), which is set to report third-quarter earnings Thursday, reportedly may not release new artificial intelligence (AI) features on its devices until a few weeks after its iPhone and iPad software overhauls planned for September.
Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI system, will be rolled out in October after the initial iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 releases, Bloomberg reported.
The later time frame could allow Apple to fix bugs, although software developers will have access to Apple Intelligence as early as this week through iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 betas, the report said.
The news comes after Apple unveiled iOS 18 supercharged by Apple Intelligence and an AI partnership with OpenAI at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, fueling anticipation of AI-fueled gains, and the later release could set back expectations for the tech giant.
Apple’s AI Initiatives, China Sales in the Spotlight When Apple Reports Thursday
Investors likely will be watching for updates on Apple’s AI initiatives when the iPhone maker posts earnings after the bell Thursday, as will how it is faring in China. Worries surrounding slowing sales in China have weighed on Apple’s stock, but analysts have suggested the third quarter could mark a bottoming of demand there.
A later rollout of AI features in its latest iPhone would be disappointing for many Apple investors. Wedbush analysts said recently that Apple could be on track toward a $4 trillion market capitalization with an iPhone 16 supercharged with AI.
Apple shares were little changed in intraday trading Monday. They’ve gained about 13% so far this year amid enthusiasm for Apple’s potential gains from AI.