While iOS 26 introduces a major visual redesign for all supported devices, many of its most powerful AI-driven features require the iPhone 15 Pro or newer. Here’s a look at what’s exclusive to the latest models.
AI-Powered Shortcuts
The Shortcuts app is now smarter than ever. With iOS 26, you can generate images, summarise content, or trigger AI responses directly within a shortcut using Apple Intelligence. It’s a big leap forward for power users.
Apple Wallet Order Tracking via Email
Forget relying on retailers to support order tracking. In iOS 26, Apple Wallet can pull delivery updates straight from your emails using on-device AI. This makes order tracking automatic and far more useful.
Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone
Apple’s live translation tool now works seamlessly across Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app. It can translate messages as you type, provide live captions during FaceTime calls, and even speak translations aloud during regular phone conversations.
Smarter Reminders with AI Suggestions
Reminders now harness Apple Intelligence to suggest tasks based on your messages and emails. It can also auto-organise lists into categories—grocery items, to-dos, and more—without you lifting a finger.
Genmoji and Image Playground Upgrades
Genmoji now allows more personalisation—you can mix emoji or describe new ones, and even tailor hairstyle and clothing. Image Playground also gets a boost with support for AI-generated visuals in styles like anime, vector, oil painting, and more, thanks to ChatGPT integration.
Visual Intelligence for Screenshots
One of iOS 26’s most practical additions is the expansion of Visual Intelligence. Previously a camera-exclusive feature, it now works with screenshots too. Capture your screen and you’ll get the option to analyse its content—ideal for identifying products, adding events, or extracting useful information.
Messages: AI Poll Suggestions and Custom Backgrounds
In iOS 26, Messages gets smart upgrades too. AI can suggest polls based on chat context, and newer iPhones can create custom chat backgrounds using Image Playground, adding a personal visual flair to your conversations.
