The iPhone 18 Pro will be released on Friday, September 18th, but not all of the announced features will be available from the release date. Apple’s product pages and technical specifications come with a number of disclaimers such as “coming later this year,” “in a future software update,” and “in beta.” In order to avoid wondering if I can’t use the product after I buy it, I looked at the proviso to find items that can’t be used on the release date.
First, list
| function | As of the release date (9/18) | Being able to use |
|---|---|---|
| Siri AI (Japanese) | I can’t use it. English only | Within the year (Apple official) |
| Siri AI (English) | Usable but beta version | The official version date is undecided. |
| Suggestions based on conversations in messaging apps | Unusable | Future software updates |
| Create shortcut from description | Unusable | Future software updates |
| Cleanup (delete unnecessary items from photos) | Usable but beta version | — |
| monster hunter outlanders | can’t play | Within this year (Release date is subject to change) |
| Using SoftBank Starlink Direct overseas | Cannot be used (Softbank subscriber) | From September 28th |
All of these are written on Apple’s or carrier’s official page. Let’s look at them in order.
Siri AI ~ Japanese version will be available by the end of the year, English version will be available in beta
Siri AI was the most talked about feature in this announcement, but Japanese users will not be able to use it on the day of release. Apple clearly states:
Siri AI will start with English support and will be available in Japanese by the end of the year.
Moreover, a note in the technical specifications says, “Siri AI is available in beta with iOS 27.” Even if you switch to English and use it, it is still a beta version, not an official version.
It does not indicate when “within the year” is. It has also been decided that Siri AI will have a limit on the number of times it can be used in a day, and by the time it can be used in Japanese, it may be in operation.
Two “in future software updates”
Two of the new features in Apple Intelligence come with a disclaimer that says “in a future software update.”
One is suggestions based on conversations in messaging apps. Based on the context of previous interactions, the feature suggests adding to a calendar or searching for a photo with a single tap, and Apple says it will be available in a future software update.
Another feature is the ability to create shortcuts from the description. It is said that you can “create automation that links actions from multiple apps just by inputting what you want to do,” but this is also “planned to be supported in a future software update.”
The official version of iOS27 will be released on September 15th (Tuesday), but these two items will not be included at that time.
Something that says “beta version”
In addition to Siri AI, Photo Cleanup is also noted as “Available in Beta.” This feature has been available since iOS 26, but is still in beta status in iOS 27.
The beta version can be used, but the proviso is that the result may not be stable.
“Later” in gaming and career
There are some things you have to wait for due to reasons other than Apple.
Monster Hunter Outlanders is featured on the product page as an example of the A20 Pro’s gaming performance, but it says, “It will be available later this year. Release date is subject to change.” You won’t be able to play it on iPhone 18 Pro on the release date.
SoftBank’s SoftBank Starlink Direct is a service that allows you to send messages via satellite even when you are out of service area. According to Softbank’s announcement, overseas use of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available from September 28th. This is 10 days after the release date.
Things that cannot be used in Japan
Apart from being able to be used at a later date, there are some functions that are clearly stated in the technical specifications as not being usable due to regulations in Japan.
Due to regulations, Find My Friends’ Find Exact Location is not available in Japan.
This function uses an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip to show the direction and distance of nearby opponents using arrows. The iPhone 18 Pro has a second-generation ultra-wideband chip, but this feature cannot be used in Japan.
Knowing this will keep your expectations in check
In summary, as of the release date, some services related to Siri AI, games, and carriers cannot be used “as announced”. Advances in hardware such as the camera’s variable aperture, charging, and cooling can be used as is from the day of release.
Reservations for the iPhone18 Pro series will begin on Saturday, September 12th at 9pm. The details of the presentation are summarized here.
Source: Apple (1), (2)
Source: iPhone Mania
