8 Must-Try AI Features in iOS 26 (Available Now!)

Apple’s iOS 26 update delivers a powerful suite of AI-driven features designed to enhance productivity, creativity, and everyday convenience. While the company held back details on its rumored Siri overhaul, the latest operating system introduces several intelligent tools that refine how users interact with their iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. From real-time translation to automated shortcuts, these innovations blend seamlessly into existing workflows while unlocking new possibilities.

Visual Intelligence takes a leap forward by integrating AI directly into screenshots. Instead of manually extracting details, the system now identifies key information, like event dates or contact details, and suggests relevant actions. Tapping into ChatGPT’s capabilities, users can also seek contextual help for images, whether solving puzzles or researching unfamiliar objects. This feature mirrors Google’s Circle to Search but leverages Apple’s ecosystem for smoother execution.

Breaking language barriers, Real-Time Translation transforms Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls with conversational accuracy. Unlike basic word-for-word conversions, Apple’s AI interprets context, delivering natural-sounding translations with optional transcripts. The feature activates with a single tap during calls, notifying participants before processing speech, ideal for business or personal conversations across languages.

Music lovers gain AutoMix in Apple Music, an AI-powered DJ that analyzes tempo and key to blend tracks seamlessly. Paired with Autoplay, it curates playlists with fluid transitions, mimicking professional mixing. Early beta testers praise its ability to maintain energy across genres, making it a standout for workouts or background listening.

Developers now have access to on-device Apple Intelligence models, empowering them to build smarter apps without compromising privacy. This move signals Apple’s commitment to fostering innovation while keeping data secure. Similarly, Shortcuts receive an AI boost, simplifying automation. Users can create complex workflows—like sorting files or summarizing notes, using natural language prompts instead of manual scripting.

For those tired of endless hold times, Hold Assist detects waiting music and offers to monitor the call, alerting you when a representative returns. Borrowing from Google’s playbook, this small but practical addition saves frustration during customer service interactions.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate Spatial Photos, which uses neural engines to convert 2D images into dynamic 3D scenes. The effect extends to lock screens, where tilting the phone creates a parallax illusion. Meanwhile, Workout Buddy on WatchOS 26 acts as a virtual coach, analyzing fitness metrics to provide real-time pacing and motivational cues, perfect for staying on track without a personal trainer.

Additional highlights include:

• Order Tracking in Apple Wallet, which scans emails for shipping updates regardless of payment method.
• Smart Polls in Messages, suggesting when to create polls and offering customizable backgrounds via Image Playground.
• Smarter Maps Routing, using on-device data to recommend optimized daily commutes.
• Genmoji Mashups, blending emojis for personalized expressions, and ChatGPT-enhanced image generation in Image Playground.

Early adopters can test these features through the iOS 26 developer beta, though caution is advised due to potential bugs. Installation requires an iPhone 11 or newer running iOS 16.5+, plus a developer account. While not all features are polished yet, the update previews how AI will redefine Apple’s ecosystem in the coming year.

(Source: ZDNET)