Apple finally launched the public beta version iOS 26, and with this comes a multitude of new AI features that you can try today – and their usefulness can surprise you.
Although the new features are not as flashy as the promised update Siri 2.0, which has not yet been published, many problems tackled by Apple users have long been with their devices or in their daily workflows, while others are downright fun. For example, don’t you like to wait for customer service calls? Do you want your song transitions to Apple Music get better? Want the Android circle to search? The new features approach all these points.
Also: iOS 26 of Apple and iPados 26 Public beta are there: how to access and why you want
I gathered the features of the AI announced and classified them according to what I am the happiest to use and what people on the web buzzed.
1. Visual intelligence
Apple presented Visual Intelligence last year with the launch of the iPhone 16. At the time, it allowed users to take pictures of objects around them, then use the IP capacity of the iPhone to search and find more information. Last month, Apple improved the experience by adding visual intelligence to the iPhone screen.
To use it, simply take a screenshot. Visual Intelligence can use Apple Intelligence to enter the details of your screenshot and suggest actions, such as adding an event to your calendar. You can also use the “Ask button” to request a chatgpt help with a particular image, which is useful for tasks such as resolution of a puzzle. You can also press “search” to look on the web.
Also: my new favorite iOS 26 feature is a supercharged version of Google Lens – and it is easy to use
Although Google offered the same capacity years ago with Circle To Search, this is a great victory for Apple users, because it is functional and has been well executed. He takes advantage of the models capable of chatgpt rather than trying to build a lower one itself.
2. Real -time translation
Since generative AI exploded in popularity, a useful application that has emerged is real -time translation. Because LLM have an in -depth understanding of language and the way people speak, they can translate speech not only literally, but using an additional context with precision. Apple will deploy this powerful capacity on its own devices with a new real -time translation feature.
Also: your iPhone will translate calls and SMS in real time, thanks to AI
Functionality can translate text into messages and audio on facetime and telephone calls. If you use it for verbal conversations, just click a button on your call, which alerts the other person who is about to occur. After a speaker says something, there is a brief break, then you get audio comments with a conversational version of what has been said in your language of choice, as well as a transcription that you can follow.
This feature is precious because it can help people communicate with each other. It is also easy to access because it is cooked in the communication platforms on which people already count every day.
3. Automix in Apple Music
The Automix function uses AI to add transparent transitions from one song to another, imitating what a DJ would do with stretching time and beat the correspondence. In the parameters application of the beta version, Apple says: “The songs pass at the ideal moment, based on the analysis of the key and the tempo of music.”
Also: how to use the Viral Automix function on iOS 26 (and which iPhone models support it)
It works in tandem with automatic feature, so if you play a song like a DJ, it can play another song that corresponds to vibrations while transitioning it transparently. Some users who tried it during the developer’s beta version published their results on social networks, and they were quite impressive.
4. Shortcuts using Apple Intelligence
The update of shortcuts was easy to miss during the speech, but it is one of the best use cases for AI. If you are like me, you usually avoid programming of shortcuts because they seem too complicated to create. This is where Apple Intelligence can help.
Also: my favorite iPhone productivity feature has just received a major upgrade with iOS 26 (and it’s not Siri)
With the new intelligent action features, you can draw from Apple Intelligence models on disk or from a private cloud calculation in your shortcut, unlocking a much more advanced set of capabilities. For example, you can configure a shortcut that takes all the files you add to your home screen, then sort them in files for you using Apple Intelligence.
The process is supposed to be as intuitive as possible, with dedicated actions and the possibility of using Apple intelligence models on device or with a private cloud calculation to generate answers that feed the rest of a shortcut, according to Apple. However, if it even seems too intimidating, there is a gallery functionality available to try some of the options and draw inspiration from construction.
5. Keep assistance
The Hold Assist function is an excellent example of a tool that is not exaggerated but has the potential to save you a lot of time in your daily life. The way it works is simple: if you are waiting and your phone detects music, it will ask you if you want your place to be maintained online and will inform you when it is your turn to speak with someone, alerting the person to the other end that you will be there.
Also: your iPad gets a huge upgrade for free. 4 features that I can’t wait to use on iPados 26
Imagine how long you will return calls with customer service. If the functionality seems familiar, it is because Google has a similar functionality “Hold for me”, which uses assistance to the call to wait for Hold for you and inform you when they are back. That said, even if it may not be an original feature, it is an Apple user will be happy to have.
6. Spatial photos
The Apple Vision Pro presented the idea of taking advantage of your precious memories in an immersive experience that places you in the scene. However, to take advantage of this feature, you had to take space photos and record space videos. Now, a similar feature arrives on iOS, allowing users to transform any image that they have into a 3D type image that separates the foreground and background for a spatial effect.
As it is easier to explain visually, I included a quick video below which preview what the space photos look like.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h771txBtatq
The best part is that you can add these photos to your lock screen, and when you move your phone, the 3D item seems to be moving with it. It may seem that there is no AI involved, but according to Craig Federighi, the SVP of Apple software engineering, it can transform your 2D photo into a 3D effect using “advanced computer vision techniques operating on the neural engine”.
7. Training Buddy
The use of AI for training information is not new, because most portable fitness companies, including Whoop and Oura, have already implemented a feature of this type. However, Workout Buddy is a unique AI application that I have never seen before. Essentially, it uses your fitness data, such as history, rhythms, activity rings and training load, to give you comments while you train.
Also: Watchos 26 Public Beta is released right now – 8 new Apple Watch features that you can try
Even if this feature is part of the Watchos upgrade – and I don’t have a – it seems to be a fun and original way to use AI. As a person who lacks any desire to train, I can see that having a reminder of motivation can have a positive impact on the longevity of my training.
Honorable mentions
The above list is already extended, and yet Apple has unveiled many more AI features:
- Orders monitoring in the Apple portfolio: Apple Intelligence can analyze your emails to monitor details, then fill all this information in Apple Wallet, even if you have used a different payment method from the Apple Pay.
- Surveys for messages: Apple Intelligence can detect in your messages when a survey may be useful and suggest one. Users can then use Image Playground to create different backgrounds for surveys.
- Better roads in cards: By using intelligence on devices, users can better understand a daily route, then receive more tailor -made suggestions.
- Genmoji and Playground Image: The Genmoji update is simple: you can now mix two emojis to create something new. Image Playground has been upgraded to create images by taking advantage of the model image generator model for specific styles.
- Call screening: Call screening automatically responds to unknown numbers, asks why they call and show you the transcription of the caller’s responses in real time.
How to access
Apple published the official public beta version on July 24, which users can download to test the features until the most stable final version is published in the fall with the launch of its latest devices.
To register for the public beta version, visit the Apple Beta software site and click on the blue registration button. The program is free and open to anyone with an Apple account which accepts the Apple Beta software agreement at the signature.
Also: iOS 26 Envie? 5 iPhone features that you can already use on your Android (Samsung included)
When downloading a beta version, it should be kept in mind that if the beta version gives users access to all the latest features available in iOS 26, they are not fully developed and, therefore, are buggy. Since you will not get the best experience, a good practice is to use a secondary phone or make sure that your data is properly saved in case something is wrong.
Get the best morning stories in your reception box every day with our Newsletter Tech Today.
