Apple's iOS 26 Update: A Leap Forward in AI-Powered Features

Apple Intelligence gets 20+ brand new features in iOS 26, here's the full list - 9to5Mac

Apple Intelligence may not yet include the major Siri upgrades that were promised, but there are a ton of other new features coming in iOS 26. Here's everything new Apple Intelligence currently offers just over 20 features, but in iOS 26 there are another 20+ new features and improvements coming -- all in a single software release. Here's the full list of new AI features across four categories: Communication is a big focus with Apple Intelligence in iOS 26, bringing upgrades to the Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps. Apple is expanding the reach of Apple Intelligence to new system and third-party apps in iOS 26, plus supporting new languages. Apple's Genmoji and Image Playground features are getting several upgrades in iOS 26. Rounding out Apple Intelligence's iOS 26 update, there's a new battery mode, powerful visual intelligence changes, and expanded notification summaries. Apple also has several watchOS 26 Apple Intelligence features coming that require iOS 26 to run the AI models, so those could be considered iOS features too. Last year when Apple Intelligence launched, it supported a small number of very recent iPhone models. There's good news and bad news with iOS 26: That means you'll need an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 model to get the new features. Which new Apple Intelligence features in iOS 26 are your favorites? Let us know in the comments.

Apple drops iOS 26 with massive updates -- see what's new for iPhone and iPad users

iOS 26 new features latest update 2025: Apple is set to announce the release date for iOS 26. This update brings a redesigned home and lock screen. It is called Liquid Glass. The update includes smarter features and improvements. Users can expect better spam filtering and screenshot search. iPadOS 26 will introduce full windowing capability. iPhones from 2019 onwards will support iOS 26. iOS 26 new features latest update 2025: Apple will soon be formally revealing the date for downloading iOS 26, which is going to be one of the year's largest updates for iPhone and iPad users, as per a report. First previewed in June's WWDC keynote and now available as a public beta, iOS 26 introduces a home and lock screen redesign called Liquid Glass, smarter built-in features, and significant improvements that get everyday things done faster and more easily, according to a Engadget report. From a revamped lock screen to better spam filtering and even built-in screenshot search functionality powered by Google and ChatGPT, Apple is at last launching updates that include several big changes coming to iOS, macOS, iPadOS and the rest of Apple's software suite, as per the report. ALSO READ: 10 must-change iOS 18.6 settings that'll make your iPhone feel like day one again Among the most apparent shifts in iOS 26 is a fresh "Liquid Glass" aesthetic. It provides your iPhone or iPad with a foggy, layered appearance, with app icons and widgets suspended subtly above your background. It's a full transformation of the home and lock screens, something that hasn't changed in years. The look has evoked some controversy among users, but Apple is already refining it based on initial criticism. The organization has toned back a bit of transparency in some places, and the design will likely see further refinement through subsequent updates. ALSO READ: Leaked: iPhone 17 Pro Max internal design shows game-changing metal battery, hints at big redesign iOS 26 brings a number of significant advancements, including: Hold Assist: Your phone will now inform you when a customer service representative returns on the line, so you don't have to be stuck by the phone waiting for long periods of time. Live Translation: If you're on a phone call, FaceTime, or texting via Messages, this feature is live-translating your conversation as it happens. Visual Intelligence: This new feature allows you to search the web with just a screenshot. Take a photo of something you want, and your iPhone will assist you in finding it on the web. Polls in Group Chats: Great for planning with friends, you can now send quick polls in Messages to assist your group in deciding on restaurants or meeting times. Spam Message Filtering: iOS 26 automatically filters out suspicious or unfamiliar messages into a different folder, leaving your inbox tidier. Photos App Update: The Library and Collections tabs have returned, making it simpler to locate and group your photos. ALSO READ: Big change: 500,000 older Americans will now get Social Security checks online - here's the scoop iPad users will not be forgotten as iPadOS 26 introduces full windowing capability, resize and move apps at will across the screen, and a new menu bar that brings multitasking closer to the desktop experience. Liquid Glass design comes to iPad, too, bringing together the look and feel of all Apple products. AirPods are also receiving a few useful new features: ALSO READ: Google's Gemini can now talk -- new audio tool reads your Docs out loud with ease Apple is bypassing iOS 19 through 25 and going directly to iOS 26 as the company is moving to an annual naming convention, so this release is being associated with the year 2026, similar to how car models are named. If you were expecting a powerful new AI version of Siri this fall, you'll have to wait a bit longer. Apple says the upgraded assistant is coming sometime in 2026. Meanwhile, the company is reportedly testing integration with AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic, and working on a 'stripped-down' AI chatbot to take on ChatGPT. ALSO READ: Apple just dropped 2 free iPhone apps with iOS 26, and users can't stop talking about them If you're using an iPhone from 2019 or later, you'll likely be eligible for iOS 26, but models like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max won't get the update, as per the Engadget report. The following models are compatible: To test iOS 26 yourself, enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program on beta.apple.com. After enrolling, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone and choose the iOS 26 public beta to install. Will my iPhone support iOS 26? If your phone is from 2019 or later (iPhone 11 and up) it will, but older models like XR or XS are not supported, as per the Engadget report. Can I use the new features on iPad too? Yes. iPadOS 26 includes many of the same features, plus multitasking upgrades, as per the Engadget report.

iOS 26 update: These Apple Intelligence features are coming to your iPhones soon

New Adaptive Power Mode boosts battery life, Maps and Reminders get smarter, and Visual Intelligence adds ChatGPT to screenshots. Apple is preparing to roll out iOS 26, its next major software update, next month. The company has already released beta versions to try out the features and fix the bugs. With the latest iOS 26 beta 7, update rolling out, the company has revealed several key upgrades to Apple Intelligence. Over 20 new AI-powered features are likely to be added to the AI tool. The iOS 26, first introduced at Apple's annual developer conference in June, will ship alongside the iPhone 17 series this September. Here is all you need to know. iOS 26 will add smarter communication with Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app, receiving notable enhancements. Live two-way translation will now work seamlessly in both text and calls, while the Messages app is adding AI-suggested polls, natural language search, and support for custom AI-generated backgrounds. Voicemail will also get automatic summaries, providing quick overviews of transcripts. Additionally, Apple Maps will feature improved AI-powered search, while Reminders will get the ability to categorise lists automatically and suggest new entries based on emails or notes. The Wallet app will be able to track orders, even pulling details directly from inboxes. Importantly, third-party developers can also integrate Apple's Foundation Models into their apps. Apple Intelligence will get eight new language supports, including Danish, Dutch, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Further, creative AI tools like Image Playground will receive ChatGPT integration for custom image generation. Genmoji, Apple's personalised emoji setup, allows users to mix multiple emojis, adjust facial expressions, and add personal attributes like eyewear or facial hair. These updates make AI-generated visuals more expressive and customizable. Apart from these, iOS 26 will also add a new Adaptive Power Mode that uses AI optimisations to extend battery life. Visual Intelligence will enhance screenshots with features like "Ask ChatGPT" and image search. Notification summaries, previously limited to certain apps, will now extend to categories such as news and entertainment. Apple Intelligence will only be supported on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, as well as the iPhone 16 series and the upcoming iPhone 17 lineups.