The recent release of iOS 18.2 brought exciting features like Visual Intelligence for iPhone 16, Genmoji, and Image Playground. However, the phased rollout of iOS 18 features might impact the development of iOS 19, potentially leading to a delayed release.
Rumors of iOS 19 delays aren’t entirely surprising, considering Apple’s current development workflow. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman highlighted this on Threads, stating that the staggered release of iOS 18 features up to iOS 18.4 is causing delays for some planned iOS 19 features. This suggests a similar long-term rollout for the next iOS cycle, with engineers working on iOS 18 projects when they would typically be focusing on the next OS.
Traditionally, the iOS 19 beta would commence around June 2025, followed by a fall release. While major features are usually included in the initial release, iOS 18 deviated from this pattern. Users had to wait for iOS 18.1 for Apple Intelligence, and even then, many features remained unavailable.
Apple iOS 18 Camera and Intelligence Features.
It appears some intended iOS 19 features might not be ready on time, potentially causing a delayed OS release or a similar phased rollout like iOS 18. If iOS 19 launches in fall 2025, some key features might not arrive until early 2026, mirroring the delayed release of iOS 18.4 to April 2025.
Apple’s increasing delays, with major features frequently pushed back, aren’t necessarily negative. A longer release roadmap allows for more consistent feature drops throughout the year and reduces pressure on developers. However, it might suggest a need for Apple to reconsider the annual release schedule and prioritize completing features before announcing them.
Reports indicate Apple is developing a server chip to enhance Apple Intelligence calculations, alongside ongoing work on the iPhone 17. These concurrent projects could be dividing Apple’s resources and contributing to the delays. Despite these challenges, the development of both the iPhone 17 and a new operating system is confirmed.
