At last year’s WWDC, Apple showcased ambitious steps in the field of artificial intelligence. This year, however, the company focused more on innovations in operating systems, services, and software. The newly introduced “Liquid Glass” design and updated naming systems are key highlights in this direction.
Still, Apple shared several artificial intelligence-powered innovations to maintain interest in this area. The AI advancements outlined below offer insight into Apple’s future strategy:
Visual Intelligence – Next-Gen Image Analysis
Apple’s new technology, called Visual Intelligence, allows the device to recognize its surroundings and provide relevant information to users. For example, it can identify a plant in a garden, a restaurant on the street, or someone’s jacket.
Coming with iOS 26, this feature won’t rely solely on the camera anymore—it will also analyze visual content displayed on the iPhone screen. For instance, it can search the internet based on an image in a social media post. This search may utilize tools like Google Search, ChatGPT, and other artificial intelligence tools. Users can activate the function via the Control Center or the Action button (previously used for screenshots).
Image Playground with ChatGPT Integration
Apple’s image generation tool Image Playground now integrates ChatGPT. This allows users to create images in various styles such as "anime," "oil painting," and "watercolor." Users can also input prompts to generate additional illustrations.
Workout Buddy – A Digital Fitness Coach
The new Workout Buddy feature is an AI model that motivates users during physical exercise. It provides real-time voice updates such as fastest mile completion, average heart rate, and more. After the workout, it delivers a summary of the session.
Live Translation – For Messages and Calls
Powered by Apple Intelligence, this feature now supports live translation in FaceTime, phone calls, and the Messages app. During FaceTime, live subtitles appear on the screen. In regular phone calls, spoken translation is provided in real time.
AI Response to Unknown Calls
Two newly introduced call features stand out:
- Call Screening: Answers unknown numbers and announces the caller’s name and reason for the call.
- Hold Assist: Detects hold music during customer service calls and lets the AI hold the line for you while you continue with other tasks. You'll get a notification when a human agent joins the call.
Poll Suggestions in Group Chats
A new AI feature in the Messages app suggests creating polls based on the conversation context. For example, if a group chat discusses where to eat, Apple Intelligence might prompt users to start a vote automatically.
AI-Powered Shortcuts
The Shortcuts app will now have extended AI capabilities. Users can choose an AI model when creating new shortcuts and enjoy features like automatic text summarization.
Spotlight with Contextual Search
On Mac devices, the Spotlight search feature will now offer more contextual suggestions. Apple Intelligence will personalize search results based on user activity and context.
Foundation Models – New Tools for Developers
Apple is making its AI models available offline for developers. Through the new Foundation Models framework, third-party apps will be able to integrate AI features. This move is aimed at boosting Apple’s competitiveness in the AI market.
Siri Enhancements Delayed
Perhaps the biggest letdown of the event was the delay in Siri updates. While a more powerful AI-enhanced Siri was expected, Apple’s Software Chief Craig Federighi announced that these upgrades weren’t ready yet and more information would be shared next year. This delay raises questions about Apple’s voice assistant strategy.
By taking a more balanced approach to artificial intelligence this year, Apple introduced meaningful improvements to existing features. While major updates to Siri were postponed, features like Visual Intelligence, Workout Buddy, and Live Translation demonstrate the growing role of AI in users’ daily lives. Apple Intelligence is becoming increasingly integrated into everyday experiences, signaling exciting possibilities for the future.
