This delay will be of no real import to Apple's AI plans. The real secret of the success of the company is not their innovation or willingness to be early adopters, but their tireless work to take an existing idea and make it the best on the market. It would be worse if the company released Apple Intelligence in a half-baked state, as it's poised to perhaps dominate the consumer AI market.
Apple is continuing to fall behind in the AI race, and this delay does not bode well for their prospects. While the company has showcased plenty of bells and whistles, questions remain as to whether or not their in-house AI models are any good, given that they are partnering with ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The iPhone maker has, for once, found itself behind the eight ball on AI.