iPhone 16 Comes To Stores Without Flagship AI Feature

Apple is set to launch its iPhone 16 lineup across nearly 60 countries this week, including major markets like the US, China and India. However, the release comes with a notable omission: the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence AI software won’t be available on the devices at launch. 

Users will need to wait for over-the-air updates, starting in October, to access the new AI-driven features. This delay poses a challenge for Apple, as the company has heavily marketed these capabilities since their introduction in June at its Worldwide Developers Conference.

Despite the delay, analysts remain optimistic about Apple’s prospects, predicting an 8 per cent revenue increase during the holiday quarter — the company’s best performance in that period since 2021. The iPhone 16 series, which includes the standard and Plus models, as well as the higher-end Pro and Pro Max versions, offers modest hardware improvements. 

The most notable change is a new touch-sensitive Camera Control button that enhances photo and video capture. The devices also boast better battery life, but visually, they resemble the iPhone 12 model from 2020.

Preorders for the iPhone 16 began last week, and while shipping delays are expected for the Pro versions, standard models should be delivered by early October. Apple’s past launches have seen heavy demand, often resulting in supply shortages, but this year, shipping timelines suggest a smoother process — either due to slower preorders or better inventory management.

In addition to the iPhone, Apple has rolled out updates to other product lines. New AirPods, branded as AirPods 4, are now available in two versions, priced at USD 129 and USD 179, with the latter featuring noise cancellation, a feature previously exclusive to the higher-end AirPods Pro. Meanwhile, Apple’s latest smartwatch, the Series 10, offers only incremental upgrades over its predecessor, with a larger display and a thinner design. The company’s Ultra model also received a new black color option but remains largely unchanged.

Looking ahead, Apple is preparing to release a major overhaul to its Mac product line before the end of the year. The company plans to introduce the AI-focused M4 processor to its MacBook Pro laptops and iMac desktops, and it is also set to unveil a redesigned Mac mini, marking the biggest change to the compact computer in its two-decade history.

While the staggered release of Apple Intelligence may cause some consumers to hesitate before purchasing the new iPhones, Apple’s broader product strategy and AI integration across its devices signal continued growth for the tech giant.

(Inputs from Bloomberg)