With iOS 26, Apple is releasing another major software update for the iPhone. There are design changes, new AI features, and improvements across the system. However, not all features are available for every device. Many of the exciting new features in iOS 26 only work if you have a current iPhone—more specifically, an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. Find out exactly what's included here.
Apple is heavily relying on artificial intelligence in iOS 26. This doesn't just involve general performance improvements, but also specific new features based directly on AI. However, these features are limited to certain iPhone models because they rely on Apple Intelligence—a technology that's only available on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer devices. So, if you have an older model, you'll only see part of the update. What you're missing and which features you'll only be able to use with new hardware are explained in detail below.
Visual intelligence in screenshots
- Available from iPhone 15 Pro!
Apple has expanded its visual intelligence. Originally intended only for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro cameras, it now also works with screenshots. When you take a screenshot, iOS 26 gives you the option to analyze it. Your iPhone recognizes products, appointments, or information in the image and helps you do something with it right away—like shopping, adding something to your calendar, or saving content.
Live translation in messages, FaceTime and phone
- Available from iPhone 15 Pro!
Live Translation is now available systemwide. In Messages, you can have text automatically translated as you type. When you write internationally, your text is translated into the recipient's language as you type. Incoming messages can also be translated in real time. In FaceTime calls, you get live captions with translation, and in regular phone calls, the translation is read aloud. Both require an iPhone 15 Pro or later.
3D effect for the lock screen
- Available from iPhone 12!
In addition to the new "Liquid Glass" design, iOS 26 brings a 3D effect to the lock screen. The time automatically adjusts to your photo, and when you move the iPhone, the image appears to move with it—a three-dimensional effect available only on iPhone 12 and later devices.
Shortcuts with Apple Intelligence
- Available from iPhone 15 Pro!
The Shortcuts app has received new actions that directly access Apple's AI models. For example, you can automatically summarize text, generate images, or automate complex queries. This makes many everyday tasks easier, but only works on iPhones with Apple Intelligence—i.e., the iPhone 15 Pro and later.
Reminder suggestions and automatic organization
- Available from iPhone 15 Pro!
The Reminders app in iOS 26 automatically recognizes tasks or shopping lists that appear in messages, emails, or other apps and suggests them to you. Additionally, lists are automatically categorized. Both features use AI and require an iPhone 15 Pro or later.
Order tracking in Apple Wallet
- Available from iPhone 15 Pro!
Apple Wallet can now automatically recognize order information from your emails—without any help from retailers. In iOS 26, Apple uses Apple Intelligence to pull shipping information directly from your inbox. This way, you'll see orders in the Wallet app, even if the retailer hasn't previously supported Apple.
Genmoji and Image Playground improvements
- Available from iPhone 15 Pro!
Genmoji has been enhanced: You can now combine emojis or describe how the emoji should look with text. Clothing, hairstyles, and other details can be customized. The Image Playground also lets you create images in new styles, including anime, oil painting, vector art, or watercolor. You can also simply enter a description, and the style will be chosen automatically. This is made possible by the integration of ChatGPT technology.
Background and survey suggestions in news
- Available from iPhone 15 Pro!
In iOS 26, you can create polls in the Messages app. On newer devices, you'll even automatically receive suitable suggestions. There's also a new feature for chat backgrounds: In addition to the preinstalled images, you can create your own backgrounds with Image Playground—including style selection and customization.
iOS 26 only shows its strengths on current hardware
iOS 26 offers many new features, but you'll only get the best of them with an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. In particular, everything related to Apple Intelligence—from translations to screenshot analysis to image generation—is tied to the newer hardware. If you have an older iPhone, you can still use the new design and some basic features, but unfortunately, you won't get the most interesting new features. So, if you want to get the most out of iOS 26, you'll need a device that's up to date. Looking for new accessories? Visit our Amazon Storefront —there you'll find a wide variety of products from leading manufacturers, including HomeKit and more! (Image: Shutterstock / Yalcin Sonat)
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