Apple iPhone 16 Launches Without Promised AI Features, Raising Consumer Concerns!

Apple Inc. recently launched its iPhone 16 series, which includes the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, across nearly 60 countries, including key markets such as the US, China, India, Australia, and South Korea.

However, the launch has not been without controversy, as the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence AI software, heavily promoted by the company since June, is missing from the devices at launch.

iPhone 16 demand is so low that employees can already get this on discount. That’s what happens when no one knows when you’ll get the AI features

— UnfinishedBusiness (@papiwhispers) September 19, 2024

Instead, Apple plans to roll out the AI features gradually through over-the-air updates starting in October, with some functionalities only becoming available well into 2025.

The absence of Apple Intelligence poses a major challenge for the tech giant as it tries to persuade customers to invest in the latest models without their biggest new feature.

Not gonna happen. If it gets the AI features, they will make a 3-6months updated review about how fucking based apple is but you never see them make a single “updated review” of any other device.

— 𝐈𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐱♔ (@icarusphoenix) July 29, 2024

The AI software is designed to enhance the functionality of Siri, improve photo editing, and automate various tasks, marking Apple’s push into more advanced AI integration in its devices.

Apple Intelligence is currently in beta testing and will first be available in US English, expanding to more regions and languages next year.

Limited Upgrades and Consumer Reactions

The iPhone 16 series comes with modest hardware upgrades, including a new touch-sensitive Camera Control button, improved battery life, and minor design changes reminiscent of the iPhone 12.

Prices for the models start at $799 for the standard iPhone 16 and reach up to $1,199 for the Pro Max. Despite these additions, many consumers and analysts believe that these changes do not justify an upgrade, especially in the absence of the promised AI capabilities.

The iPhone 16 is deadass gonna launch with none of the AI features Apple talked about that shit is so embarrassing

— JOEY NOBLE (@syringez) September 16, 2024

Preorders for the new models began last week, with shipments already underway. While shipping delays are expected for the Pro versions, the standard models should reach customers by early October.

Unlike previous launches that often saw supply shortages, this year’s shipping timelines suggest a smoother process, likely due to better inventory management or lower demand.

The developers and public beta users will already have the AI features so it is fair enough to judge it on them as it is not a promise it is just a delay.

— andyH (@AndyH_England) July 29, 2024

Despite the absence of AI features, analysts are optimistic about Apple’s performance in the coming months, forecasting an 8% increase in revenue during the holiday quarter, marking the company’s best performance in this period since 2021.

The new iPhone lineup is expected to contribute majorly to this growth, even though some potential buyers may delay their purchases until the AI features become available.

Broader Product Updates and Future Plans

Alongside the iPhone 16 series, Apple has updated its other product lines. The new AirPods 4 are now available in two versions, priced at $129 and $179, with the higher-priced model including noise cancellation—a feature previously exclusive to the AirPods Pro.

Apple intelligence will be available on ios 18.1

— Spike (@Lonely_spike) July 29, 2024

Additionally, Apple’s latest smartwatch, the Series 10, features a larger display and a thinner design but otherwise offers only incremental upgrades over the Series 9.

Looking ahead, Apple is planning major updates to its Mac product line. The company is set to introduce the AI-focused M4 processor to its MacBook Pro laptops and iMac desktops and is preparing a big overhaul of the Mac mini, which will feature a smaller design and new chips.

“so the iPhone 16 is basically the exact same as the 15 but it’s so great and awesome because it promises to have….”

— LUGO (@lugo3) July 29, 2024

Apple Intelligence: A Staggered Rollout

Apple Intelligence, the AI software announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, aims to make Siri more conversational and capable, with a glowing light that rotates around the screen when responding to requests.

The AI update will handle tasks such as summarizing emails, editing photos, and enhancing overall device usability. However, the initial rollout will not include all the planned features, such as creating customized emojis or generating interactive imagery, which are expected to be introduced in later updates.

Apple spent 5+ months shouting Apple Intelligence they said the 16 lineup was built specifically for Apple intelligence and those phones won’t ship with Apple intelligence 😂

— Furnace  (@_furnx) September 16, 2024

The delayed availability of these AI features means that the initial batch of iPhone 16 devices will not showcase the full capabilities that Apple has promised.

While Apple is promoting the iPhone 16 as being “built from the ground up” for Apple Intelligence, some of these features will also be available on last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, which have the necessary hardware to support the new AI functionalities.

I do believe that if what they promised in the event, going to be a thing, I would give it a pass. I don’t want half-baked features. and even if they’re gonna ship it with half-baked feature, the backlashes are gonna be crazy.

— 🍃 (@nikewrayy) September 18, 2024

Market Challenges and Consumer Expectations

Apple’s decision to launch the iPhone 16 series without the flagship features has put the company in a difficult position.

While the iPhones are equipped with the latest iOS 18 operating system, Apple Intelligence will only be available with the iOS 18.1 update, which is set to launch in October.

Bruh. My 15 Pro on the beta has more AI power than the 16. 🤣

— Thomas Kackley (@iOSDeveloperGuy) August 4, 2024

The staggered release of these capabilities has the potential to impact consumer purchasing decisions, as many may choose to wait until the full suite of AI features is available before upgrading.

The tech giant’s strategy of gradually rolling out AI features reflects both the complexity of integrating advanced software and the challenges of meeting consumer expectations in a highly competitive market.

Apple stated in there launch that they will be coming at at a staggered release schedule. That is, when they are ready, not rushing because random people on Twitter think you should release when not ready.

— andyH (@AndyH_England) September 18, 2024

The launch of the iPhone 16 series without the promised Apple Intelligence AI features represents a tough hurdle for Apple as it tries to maintain its market leadership.

While the company’s broader strategy of integrating AI across its product lines signals continued growth and commitment to advancing technology, the immediate impact of the delayed features remains uncertain.

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