With iOS 26, Apple introduced many small but significant innovations. The focus is on "Apple Intelligence," the AI features that run directly on your device. Even though they were only mentioned in passing at WWDC 2025, they offer many practical tools. While Siri isn't quite as advanced as originally announced, Apple has made significant improvements elsewhere. In this article, you'll find all the new Apple Intelligence features you get with iOS 26.
Apple is taking its own approach to AI: local on the device instead of in the cloud, privacy-friendly, and integrated directly into iOS. However, you'll need an iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, or iPhone 16. Later this year, iPhone 17 models will also be supported. Some features are also available on iPads with iPadOS 26 or Macs with macOS Tahoe. The new AI features from Apple Intelligence bring practical improvements to Messages, FaceTime, Wallet, Pictures, Reminders, and more.
Live translation in messages, phone and FaceTime
With Apple Intelligence, you can automatically translate conversations. This works in the Messages app, during calls, and in FaceTime. In a chat conversation, tap the person's name and turn on "Auto-Translate." Then select the language you want to translate into.
- Supported languages are: English (US/UK), Chinese (Simplified Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain). Language packs are approximately 900 MB in size. You can specify the source and target languages.
In the Messages app, every message appears in your language and also in the translated language – on your device. The recipient will only see the message in their language. Replies will also appear in the original language and translated. During calls, translation is done using an AI voice, and there's also a transcript. In FaceTime, you'll see live captions in your language. Both participants must have Apple Intelligence devices. If only you have a supported device, you'll see translations, but your replies won't be translated.
Visual intelligence on the screen
The new visual intelligence allows you to ask questions about screenshots or search for things in them. When you take a screenshot and tap it, the options "Ask" and "Image Search" appear. "Ask" sends the screenshot to ChatGPT, where you can then ask a question about it. "Image Search" gives you two options: send the entire screenshot to Google or another app, or select a part of the image and have it search only that area. This feature works with supported apps like Google Images, Etsy, and more. If the screenshot contains an event, for example, the system will show you "Add to Calendar." Objects such as animals, plants, sculptures, works of art, landmarks, and books are also recognized and suggested.
Track orders in Wallet
iOS 26 adds automatic order tracking to Apple Wallet. The app scans your emails for purchase and shipping confirmations—regardless of whether you paid with Apple Pay. You can find this information in the new "Orders" section of Wallet. Enable the feature under "Track Orders" in Wallet settings. When you select an order, you'll see the merchant name, order number, and—if available—a tracking number. You can also jump directly to the corresponding email in the Mail app.
Image Playground with ChatGPT
Apple has significantly improved image generation in Image Playground. Faces look more natural, hair more realistic, and the comic style is more convincing overall. This applies not only to people, but also to objects, landscapes, and food. ChatGPT integration is new. You can generate images using text prompts or uploaded photos—provided you have a paid ChatGPT account. You can choose between design styles such as anime, oil painting, vector, watercolor, or the open "Any Style" option. Text and image inputs can be combined. This makes design very flexible and allows for realistic or imaginative results.
Genmoji and Emoji Mix
Genmoji has been expanded. You can now mix and match multiple emojis to create new variations. Combined with Image Playground, these emojis can be applied to photos—for example, to facial expressions. There are options for emotions like laughter, anger, thoughtfulness, or approval.
AI-powered reminders
The Reminders app has a new section with suggestions from Siri. These are based on emails, websites, notes, or other content. With a tap, you can turn them into a reminder. You don't need to open the app—you can do it directly from the source.
Survey suggestions in news
Even though polls in group chats aren't an explicit Apple Intelligence feature, the Messages app now recognizes contexts where polls would be useful. You'll then receive a suggestion to create a poll right away. You can also use custom chat backgrounds. These can also be created with Image Playground.
Shortcuts with Apple Intelligence
Shortcuts can now be created and used with AI. There are new actions for text summarization, image generation, text creation, and more. You can specify whether the AI should run directly on the device, via ChatGPT, or via Apple's Private Cloud Compute.
- For example, a shortcut can analyze your appointments, weather data, and reminders and display a daily summary—or even read it aloud. You can also build spell checkers, content analysis, or automatic replies.
Workout Buddy with AI voice
Workout Buddy is part of watchOS 26, but only works with Apple Intelligence. The feature analyzes your fitness data in real time—such as heart rate, pace, and distance—and compares it with your training history. This results in motivational voice prompts during your workout. The voice is based on real Fitness+ trainers and is played directly from the Apple Watch via connected Bluetooth headphones (e.g., AirPods). Workouts such as outdoor running, walking, cycling, HIIT, and strength training are supported.
Siri features coming in 2026
The enhanced Siri features were originally scheduled to arrive with iOS 18, but will now arrive with iOS 26.4 at the earliest in spring 2026. Apple has redesigned the architecture to improve quality and privacy. Planned features include:
- Use of personal content (emails, photos, files)
- Context-related answers (“Show me the file Tim sent me”)
- Screen perception (“Add this address to my contacts”)
- Cross-app actions (e.g., editing and sending a photo)
New languages are also planned, including Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese.
Apple Intelligence: The practical everyday introduction
iOS 26 brings many new tools with Apple Intelligence that you can use immediately – provided your device is compatible. The features mostly run locally and without cloud connectivity. They're subtle but practical: from translation to visual analysis to automated reminders. Siri isn't ready yet, but Apple Intelligence is already laying the foundation for a comprehensive, intelligent user experience. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / DenPhotos)
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