Genmoji and photo generation tools for iPhone reportedly delayed until iOS 18.2

Many of the most anticipated features of Apple Intelligence will arrive well after the release of, and according to ‘s Mark Gurman, it may be December before the iPhone offers things like AI-generated photos and custom emojis. Apple Intelligence is expected to launch in , which Gurman previously reported would arrive in October. and the upcoming image generation tool, Image Playground, will reportedly not be among its first features. Instead, Gurman predicts they will ship with iOS 18.2, which he says is scheduled for December.

Apple showed Genmoji and Image Playground during its June event. With Genmoji, users will be able to create custom emoji with prompts or create emoji of real people based on their photos. Image Playground, on the other hand, will allow users to produce images in three styles: Animation, Illustration and Sketch. It will be offered as a standalone app and as a tool built into other apps, including Messages.

All these features will finally be available in the iPhone 16 line, which will be revealed on Monday September 9 at , and more. it will also bring ChatGPT integration, message summarization, smart Siri and more.