San Francisco – Apple’s highly anticipated Apple Intelligence rollout is facing fresh turbulence as a segment of iPhone 17 users report that the core AI features are simply non-functional. The glitch leaves them unable to access the cornerstone of Apple’s evolving digital strategy.
Early adopters across the new lineup say the software appears to be installed on their devices but refuses to launch, leaving them stuck in a loop where the phone repeatedly prompts the user to download the Apple Intelligence package without ever completing the activation process.
The Details of the User Frustration
Reports indicate that the glitch is not confined to a single version of the flagship device. It has been reported across the base model iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the new iPhone Air, suggesting a systemic software issue rather than hardware limitation.
Affected users specify that:
- Apple Intelligence shows up in storage but fails to activate.
- The phone repeatedly prompts users to re-download the AI package.
- Downloads often appear to stall indefinitely.
One customer noted that Apple support suggested the issue would require a subsequent software update to fix, hinting that the company may already be aware of the underlying bug.
Compounding Issues and Durability Concerns
While the Apple Intelligence glitch does not appear to be widespread, it contributes to a growing list of complaints surrounding the new iPhone lineup, raising questions about quality control in the latest generation of devices.
Other significant issues reported include:
- Cellular Instability: Many users report unstable connections on the iPhone 17 series, with dropped signals being described as “extremely common.”
- Durability: The iPhone 17 Pro’s aluminum chassis has drawn criticism for being more susceptible to scrapes and bends compared to last year’s use of a titanium build.
Apple has publicly downplayed these concerns, but the mounting issues suggest that early adopters are facing more significant growing pains than previously anticipated.
Bigger Questions for Apple’s AI Strategy
Apple Intelligence was initially billed as the cornerstone of the tech giant’s AI future when it was first teased in 2024. However, delays in feature rollouts and now early bugs on flagship devices have led some analysts to question whether Apple is struggling to deliver on the lofty promises made for its artificial intelligence capabilities.
Analysts note that even if only a small group of users is affected by the Intelligence glitch, it highlights a worrying trend: declining quality control in Apple’s software upgrades—a lapse that could damage consumer trust in the long run.
