Despite being launched this year, many of the iPhone 16 series' features are just hype, not ready until 2026.
This year, we saw an underwhelming iPhone 16 launch, and no one could have predicted that Apple would mess things up on the software side. According to industry experts, the iPhone 16 software update won’t be fully rolled out until 2026.
iPhone 16.
The biggest highlight of the iPhone 16 is the camera control button and Apple Intelligence. However, when the iPhone 16 was launched, there was no Apple Intelligence feature to be found.
The truth is that Apple’s AI tools will be released in stages through next year. One of the most impressive changes Apple touted at its trade shows was a completely revamped Siri—which will be the last major update.
According to Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman, this improved Siri was announced in 2025 and will actually launch in 2026, presumably after the iPhone 17 launches. In other words, people who paid for the iPhone 16 won't get what Apple has been bragging about until the iPhone 17 "family" launches.
iPhone 17 Pro concept photo.
Upcoming iOS updates will allow users to use ChatGPT and Gemini. According to Gurman, Siri could get some upgrades next year, with most of the features being introduced scheduled for 2026. This includes the ability for Siri to communicate directly with apps on the phone.
This news shows that the iPhone 16 series is one of the most failed launches made by the "Apple House". Other regions such as Europe EU and China still do not have Apple Intelligence. iPhone in EU also received exclusive features due to DMA (Digital Market Act).
With the exciting rumors about the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, skipping the iPhone 16 Series would be a smart decision.
