Apple is gearing up for its biggest software release of the year — iOS 26. Alongside the upcoming iPhone 17 series launch on September 9, Apple is expected to roll out Apple Intelligence, its suite of AI-powered features designed to enhance productivity and everyday smartphone use.
Unlike flashy tools such as Genmoji and Image Playground, this update focuses on practical AI features that make communication, navigation, and daily tasks smarter and more seamless. Let’s take a look at what’s coming.
Apple Intelligence Features in iOS 26
Smarter Messaging
- Live Translation in Messages: Real-time, two-way translation for supported languages.
- Poll Suggestions: Automatically suggests polls in group chats based on conversations.
- Conversation Backgrounds: AI-generated custom images for chats via Image Playground.
- Natural Language Search: Quickly find messages, photos, or links using simple queries.
FaceTime & Phone App
- Live Translation for Calls: On-call translations in text or spoken form.
- AI Voicemail Summaries: Get instant summaries of long voicemails.
Apple Maps
- AI-Powered Search: Search locations and landmarks with natural language queries.
Shortcuts App
- AI-Enhanced Automation: Choose models, generate images, and access Visual Intelligence directly in Shortcuts.
Reminders & Wallet
- Smart Suggestions: Auto-suggest reminders from emails, notes, or websites.
- AI Categorisation: Organises reminders intelligently.
- Wallet Order Tracking: Tracks purchases, including Amazon orders, straight from your email.
Developer Tools
- Foundation Models Access: Third-party developers can use Apple’s AI models to create new features and apps.
Genmoji and Image Playground Upgrades
Apple isn’t leaving its fun AI features behind:
- Image Playground + ChatGPT: Create AI images with advanced customization, including facial expressions and personal attributes.
- Genmoji Fusion: Combine two emojis to generate unique new ones.
Integration With ChatGPT and Power Features
- Visual Intelligence + ChatGPT: Users can ask ChatGPT questions about screenshots.
- Adaptive Power Mode: AI-driven power optimisation for longer battery life.
iPhone Compatibility
Not all iPhones will support Apple Intelligence. As of now, it’s available on:
- iPhone 15 Pro models
- iPhone 16 lineup (including iPhone 16e)
- iPhone 17 series (expected)
Older devices may miss out due to hardware limitations.
Final Thoughts
The iOS 26 update with Apple Intelligence is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most feature-rich AI rollouts yet. From smarter messaging to AI-powered reminders and ChatGPT integration, Apple is clearly focused on making its ecosystem more useful, not just more entertaining.
If Apple follows tradition, iOS 26 will release later this September, shortly after the iPhone 17 event.
For more details on upcoming Apple features, you can also check out Apple’s official iOS page.
Priyanshu Raj, I have worked in social media and content writing for many years. I have also worked in WordPress website development. I am very interested in technology, especially smartphones and AI, so I created this website.
