Initially slated for an August launch, it has only got to the point where Apple can give it to developers with iOS 18.1 later this week.

Mark Gurman suggests that Apple Intelligence will not grace the first iOS 18 install. Instead, developers will get a sneak peek this week while the rest of the world might see it in iOS 18.1.

In a classic Apple manoeuvre, the updated beta version of iOS 18 has conveniently removed any trace of Apple Intelligence, hinting at a later release. This is reminiscent of the company's approach with the Stage Manager feature for the iPad, which was similarly withheld until a later update.

Apple plans to release the first beta of iOS 18.1 this week, complete with Apple Intelligence features for testing. Registered developers should prepare for the beta update, as it will allow more time to identify and fix bugs before the general public gets their hands on it.

The company faces the challenge of managing three updates: iOS 18 beta, iOS 18.1 beta, and the final release of iOS 17.6.

For those of you who follow the Tame Apple Press and believe that Jobs’ Mob invented AI and would clean up when it was installed, there must be a general sense of disappointment, particularly as all its rivals have had AI in various forms for nearly two years.