Apple just dropped a new hint for when iOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence will be available

Apple has said that iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1 will arrive some time in October, and with them the first set of Apple Intelligence features. But today the company dropped a new hint around what to expect for iOS 18.1’s release date.

iPad mini announcement includes software update news

Today Apple launched a new iPad mini via a press release. But the company’s announcement carried broader implications than just the new device.

The surprise release made an October Apple event suddenly a long shot.

It also came with a key hint about when to expect iOS 18.1 to drop.

The new iPad mini is available to pre-order today, but doesn’t arrive in users’ hands until Wednesday, October 23.

The major selling point for the new device is Apple Intelligence support thanks to its A17 Pro chip.

Since iOS and iPadOS 18.1 are set for October, it would be great for them to arrive in time for inclusion on the new iPad mini.

But per Apple’s press release, Apple Intelligence capabilities are coming to the device in a future software update—not available at launch.

The first set of Apple Intelligence features will be available in U.S. English this month through a free software update with iPadOS 18.1, and available for iPad with A17 Pro or M1 and later.

This means the soonest we’ll see iOS 18.1 and Apple Intelligence is October 24.

Most likely though, Apple Intelligence’s absence from the iPad mini at launch rules out a release any time next week.

Deciphering iOS 18.1’s release date

Almost certainly, iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1 are coming on October 28 or shortly thereafter.

It makes no sense to launch the new mini then release a software update for it the next day. Apple doesn’t usually ship software updates on Fridays, either. That makes Monday, October 28 the best candidate.

Why didn’t Apple hold the new iPad mini a few days until Apple Intelligence was ready? It’s unclear.

But I suppose if the company can launch the flagship iPhone 16 and 16 Pro without AI, they can do the same with a much less popular product like the iPad mini.