AI That Feels Personal
iOS 26 is powered by Apple Intelligence – on-device AI that keeps your data private while supercharging usability.
Feature Highlights
- Call mastery: Calls from unknown numbers are screened by AI; Hold Assist can sit on hold for you and alert you when a human answers.
- Universal translation: Live translation, across Phone, Messages, and FaceTime, complete with real-time captions—even with non-iPhone contacts.
- Visual Intelligence: Instantly identify objects, landmarks, or even scan text via screenshots.
- Creative AI tools: Use Image Playground to generate images from sketches or prompts – fully integrated with ChatGPT. Genmoji creates emojis that reflect your likeness.
- Writing Tools & Automation: Effortlessly rewrite or summarize text, and use Smart Shortcuts powered by AI. Third-party apps can tap into this via the Foundation Models API.
Hands-On Realities
- Reviewers praise the seamless translation and visual tools, though creative features like Genmoji still feel unpolished.
- Some frustration lingers: the much-anticipated AI-powered Siri upgrade has been delayed to 2026, drawing ire from users.
Takeaway
Apple is gradually weaving AI into your daily life – not with fanfare, but functionality. It’s smarter, more helpful, and privacy-first.