Why Apple delays AI image generation in iOS 18.1: lessons from Google Pixel 9’s challenges

Key Points:

1. Google’s Pixel 9 AI tools face backlash over controversial content creation.
2. Apple delays AI image features to avoid similar public relations issues.
3. Genmoji and Image Playground may be postponed until Apple perfects safeguards.

Today, reviews for Google’s Pixel 9 phones flooded in, emphasizing the device’s heavy use of AI, especially in image generation. This news is particularly relevant for Apple users because it explains why Apple has yet to include similar AI image features like Genmoji or Image Playground in the iOS 18.1 beta. The headlines surrounding Google’s AI tools make it clear why Apple is being cautious, and the more we learn, the more uncertain it becomes whether we’ll see these features from Apple anytime soon. Here’s a deeper look into the situation.

Pixel 9’s AI Image Tools Stir Controversy

Google’s Pixel 9 is packed with AI-driven features, many focused on image manipulation and generation. For example, users can add objects to an existing photo with just a text command, or even create entirely new images using an app similar to Apple’s rumored Image Playground.

While these features are only a part of what the Pixel 9 offers, they have garnered significant media attention—and not in a positive way. Some of today’s headlines include:

• “I tried Google’s new Pixel Studio app. It created an image of SpongeBob dressed as a Nazi.”
• “Google’s AI ‘Reimagine’ tool helped us add wrecks, disasters, and corpses to our photos.”
• “Google’s Pixel Studio image generation can easily go off the rails.”

These examples highlight how quickly AI tools can generate problematic content. Google responded to the criticism by explaining that its AI tools are designed to respect user prompts but acknowledged that these prompts can sometimes lead to offensive content. Despite Google’s policies and safeguards, it’s clear that AI image generation can easily spiral out of control.

Apple’s Deliberate Delay of AI Image Tools

Given the backlash Google is facing, it’s easy to understand why Apple has been slow to roll out its AI image generation tools in iOS 18.1. Apple is well aware of the risks associated with AI-driven content creation. Once these tools are available, users could potentially generate the same type of controversial content on iPhones as they are now with Pixels. If that happens, Apple will face a significant public relations crisis.

Apple likely anticipated these risks long before unveiling Genmoji and Image Playground at WWDC in June. However, today’s headlines likely reinforce their decision to proceed with caution.

When Will Apple’s AI Image Features Arrive?

The public release of iOS 18.1 is still a few months away, likely towards the end of October. However, with each new beta release, it seems increasingly unlikely that Apple will include its AI image tools before iOS 18.2 in December—or even later.

If Apple feels it needs more time to implement robust safety measures, we may not see Genmoji and Image Playground until 2025. In short, don’t hold your breath for Apple’s AI image generation features to arrive anytime soon. While these tools could help boost sales of the iPhone 16, Apple is more focused on avoiding the kind of PR disaster currently plaguing Google.