Apple simply introduced the long-awaited replace to the iPad Mini, which now contains an A17 Professional processor able to operating the upcoming Apple Intelligence options the corporate teased at its WWDC developer event earlier this yr and throughout the launch of the iPhone 16 in September. Apple is actually feeling the strain from Google, Meta and each excessive tech firm that added an “AI” slide to its pitch deck to include extra generative AI options into their merchandise.
However when will that occur?
Apple, as is its customized, is notoriously tight-lipped about any particular particulars. Which implies we get to make our knowledgeable guesses based mostly on what we all know already.
When will iOS 18.1 be broadly launched?
Apple stated throughout its September occasion that the primary AI options will arrive in beta kind “subsequent month.” Now that we’re midway by October, a couple of indicators level to a launch earlier than the calendar ticks over to November.
Builders or folks enrolled in Apple’s public beta program can set up prerelease versions of iOS 18.1 proper now and signal as much as check Apple Intelligence. (The know-how will even run on iPadOS 18.1 and MacOS Sequoia 15.1, however I am utilizing iOS 18.1 as shorthand to imply all three. As at all times, be smart about what you’re getting into.)
The newest developer beta is the seventh revision, which often signifies Apple is near launch. The closest piece of particular info is a rumor from frequent Apple watcher Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, who says the first Apple Intelligence features will arrive Oct. 28.
There have additionally been rumors of an Apple {hardware} occasion occurring in late October, however in the identical e-newsletter Gurman now estimates a Nov. 1 date introducing new M4-based laptops, a revamped M4 Mac Mini and an M4 iMac. He additionally tagged that date for a brand new iPad mini, which is what Apple introduced this week and can begin delivery Oct. 23.
The outlier right here is that Apple’s product pages all at the moment discuss with Apple Intelligence coming “this fall,” which could point out that the schedule has slipped out of October. Nonetheless, I’ll stay optimistic and take into account October nonetheless an actual risk.
Watch this: The iPhone Wasn’t the Star of the iPhone 16 Occasion
Which gadgets will run Apple Intelligence?
Keep in mind that Apple Intelligence will work solely with the next fashions which can be outfitted with the A17 Professional or later (iPhone and iPad Mini) and M1 or later (Mac and iPad) processors:
- iPhone 15 Professional
- iPhone 15 Professional Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Professional
- iPhone 16 Professional Max
- iPad Mini (Late 2024)
- iPad Air (M1 and later)
- iPad Professional (M1 and later)
- iPad (M1 and later)
- Mac computer systems with Apple Silicon (M-series)
Learn extra: Earlier than iOS 18.1 arrives, be sure you learn about these 9 hidden iOS 18 features and the right way to remove annoying banners and other distractions in Safari.
