Apple’s much-anticipated iPhone 16 launch may not spark the “supercycle” some analysts predicted, as delays in the rollout of its AI feature, Apple Intelligence, cast doubt on the surge of upgrades. Initially, industry watchers compared the potential impact of Apple’s AI to the introduction of 5G, which drove a wave of device upgrades. However, the slow implementation of Apple’s AI technology could hamper the iPhone 16’s sales momentum.
Tomorrow’s “It’s Glowtime” event in Cupertino is set to showcase the iPhone 16, but some features of Apple Intelligence may not be fully ready until 2025, according to Bloomberg reports. The delay could impact key markets like China and the EU, which are crucial for Apple’s financial performance. Furthermore, a full integration with ChatGPT is also off the table for now.
Introduced at WWDC in June, Apple Intelligence is designed to enhance user experience with AI that operates on small models, unlike its competitors’ larger systems. Yet, the excitement surrounding the new AI feature has dampened as reports suggest consumers will need to wait longer for the best functionalities. As of now, only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are equipped to handle Apple Intelligence, though this is expected to change with the iPhone 16’s release.
While rumors hint at hardware upgrades, including the new A18 chips for base models and A18 Pro for premium versions, these improvements may not be enough to push a wave of upgrades. As Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman points out, the iPhone 16’s design is nearly identical to the iPhone 15, with only minor changes such as camera tweaks.
Gurman also highlights macroeconomic factors like smartphone sales slumps in China and cautious consumer spending, which may further dampen hopes of a supercycle. While Apple Intelligence has the potential to transform user experience, it seems this groundbreaking tech will take time to fully deliver, leaving consumers and investors wondering if the iPhone 16 will meet the high expectations set for it.
Angela Rogers