iOS 26 Brings New Apple Intelligence Features to iPhone Users
Key Points
- Live Translation adds real‑time language conversion to Messages, FaceTime and phone calls.
- Genmoji lets users create custom emojis from text and photos, with adjustable facial attributes.
- Image Playground now supports ChatGPT, offering new artistic styles while protecting privacy.
- Visual Intelligence can scan screenshots to answer questions and trigger actions.
- Developers can integrate Apple Intelligence into third‑party apps without extra API costs.
- Shortcuts app gains AI‑driven actions for more powerful automation.
- The update is free and works on newer iPhone models that support iOS 26.
Apple's iOS 26 update introduces a suite of Apple Intelligence tools that aim to make everyday tasks more seamless. Live Translation adds real‑time language conversion to Messages, FaceTime and phone calls. Genmoji and Image Playground receive upgrades that let users create custom emojis and generate AI‑enhanced artwork. Visual Intelligence can now scan the screen to retrieve information and act on screenshots. Developers gain access to Apple’s foundation models, enabling third‑party apps to embed AI without additional costs. Finally, the Shortcuts app incorporates Apple Intelligence, opening new possibilities for automated actions. The update is free for compatible devices.
Live Translation Redefines Communication
iOS 26 embeds Live Translation directly into Messages, FaceTime and the Phone app. The feature automatically translates text, adds live captions during video calls, and even speaks translated audio during phone conversations, removing language barriers for users who interact with speakers of other languages.
Genmoji and Image Playground Get Smarter
Apple expands its generative AI tools with enhancements to Genmoji and Image Playground. Users can now turn textual descriptions into custom emojis, blend emojis with text, and adjust facial attributes in Genmojis created from personal photos. Image Playground integrates ChatGPT support, offering new artistic styles such as oil painting and vector art while keeping user data private.
Visual Intelligence Scans the Screen
The latest Visual Intelligence capability allows the system to analyze screenshots and any on‑screen content. By taking a screenshot, users can ask Apple Intelligence questions about the displayed information, add events to the calendar, or trigger other actions based on the visual data.
Third‑Party Apps Gain Direct Access to Apple Intelligence
Developers now have access to Apple’s foundation models, enabling them to embed AI features into their apps without incurring API costs. This opens the door for a range of intelligent experiences, such as generating quizzes from notes, while maintaining Apple’s privacy standards.
AI‑Powered Shortcuts Enhance Automation
The Shortcuts app incorporates Apple Intelligence, allowing users to create and run shortcuts that leverage AI reasoning. This upgrade promises more intuitive and powerful automations, especially for users who already rely on Shortcuts for daily workflows.
Availability and Compatibility
iOS 26 is offered as a free update. The new Apple Intelligence features are available on devices that support the update, specifically newer iPhone models. Users with compatible hardware can download the update immediately to experience the enhanced AI capabilities.