【Mission XXX Impossible】

Apple's WWDC this year focused on Mission XXX Impossibledesign changes with iOS 26 and Liquid Glass, but we also saw some updates and new announcements for Apple Intelligence, the company's suite of AI features.

New Apple Intelligence announcements build on existing AI-powered features like Writing Tools, Message and Mail summaries, the ChatGPT integration, and others. But Apple has expanded on its Apple Intelligence offerings to all of the software updates announced for iOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, iPadOS 26, and watchOS 26. By the way, the company has changed its naming convention to reflect the year it's coming out. Change is hard, but this actually makes things much easier. The new name, alongside its next wave of AI capabilities, will hopefully spark some excitement among consumers. A new CNET survey found that only 11 percent of US smartphone owners upgrade their devices for AI features. If you do upgrade to iOS 26, here's what to know.

Foundation Models Framework

Apple unveiled a way for third-party apps to tap into Apple Intelligence called the Foundation Models Framework. This means developers can use Apple's API to integrate their features into Apple Intelligence.

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Across all devices

Live translation

Apple Intelligence now supports live translation for real-time text and voice translations. This works on Messages, FaceTime, and Phone for iOS 26, WatchOS 26, iPad OS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26.

Live Translation for real-time text and voice translation. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Apple

Expanded features for Genmoji and Image Playground

Using Genmoji, you can also mix together emojis and use Image Playground to edit emojis like change someone's facial expression or hairstyle. Image Playground also got a ChatGPT integration, so you can create images with OpenAI's model too.

New AI features for iOS 26

Voicemail features

Apple Intelligence already provides voicemail transcripts, but now it's adding call screening for scammers and Hold Assist, which conveniently notifies you when you're off hold.

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Hold Assist will let you know when you're off hold. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Apple

Polls for your group chat in Messages

Within group chats, you can now create polls and Apple Intelligence will compile the results.

AI-assisted polls on iOS 26. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Apple

Visual Intelligence for screenshots

iOS 26 is getting a visual search feature by combining Visual Intelligence with Apple Intelligence. By taking a screenshot of any app you're looking at, you can use a new search function on the bottom of your screen. It can also recognize screenshots like events and pre-populate your calendar.

Use screenshots to search visually. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Apple

Automated order tracking in Apple Wallet

Apple Intelligence can identify and summarize packages you've ordered and keep track of them in Apple Wallet.

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macOS Tahoe 26 and iPadOS 26

Like iOS 26, Apple's operating systems for Macs and iPad have a bunch of Apple Intelligence features. These run more in the background so there's a more seamless workflow.

SEE ALSO: Apple reveals macOS 26 Tahoe: See all the changes coming to your MacBook

An AI update to Shortcuts

Shortcuts gets the Apple Intelligence revamp, so now you can automate multi-step tasks like saving certain files or triggering actions at a certain time of day. Shortcuts can also tap into ChatGPT for off-device functions.

Shortcuts gets the AI treatment for automating complex tasks. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Apple

Spotlight gets a lot more useful

No longer just the search bar you use to find certain apps or documents, Spotlight with Apple Intelligence can automate certain workflows like sending an email or uses intelligent suggestions to pull up relevant information or take actions based on what document or app you're working in.

The Spotlight Apple Intelligence update works more seamlessly in your workflow. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / Apple

WatchOS 26

Workout Buddy

With Apple Intelligence, your Apple Watch now comes with an AI-powered trainer. Your "Buddy" is an AI-generated voice that uses your data from your workouts and health history and gives you tips like when to slow down, motivate you for more reps, and congratulate you when your workout is done.

Workout Buddy is your AI personal trainer for Apple Watch. Credit: Apple

Topics Apple Artificial Intelligence