Apple recently unveiled significant free upgrades for devices compatible with Apple Intelligence, set to launch with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26 later this year. The highlights of these new AI features were revealed at WWDC 2025, prompting us to compile a comprehensive overview of every key announcement from the event. While many had anticipated an upgrade to Siri, Apple focused instead on a series of new software enhancements driven by its AI technology.
Major Upgrades to Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2025
1. Live Translation
Apple introduced Live Translation, a feature designed to facilitate communication across different languages in both messaging and voice interactions. This tool will be seamlessly integrated into the Messages, FaceTime, and Phone applications.
With Live Translation, users will experience automatic translation of messages, along with real-time caption translations during FaceTime conversations. When engaged in a phone call, the translated speech will be articulated aloud, effectively eliminating language barriers thanks to advanced AI. A key commitment from Apple is the privacy of user interactions; the company assures that this tool operates using its proprietary AI models, ensuring personal conversations remain confidential.
2. Genmoji and Image Playground Enhancements
Apple’s generative AI tools, Genmoji and Image Playground, are set to receive notable upgrades. Users will now be able to create emojis from text descriptions, as well as combine existing emojis with new textual inputs for unique customizations. This feature also allows alterations in expressions and the manipulation of Genmojis derived from photos of friends and family.
Moreover, Image Playground will now support ChatGPT, broadening available styles to include artistic formats like oil painting and vector art. According to Apple, users will maintain full control over their creations, with no data transmitted to ChatGPT without explicit user consent.
3. Visual Intelligence that Analyzes Screen Content
Previously recognized as a standout feature, Apple’s Visual Intelligence has advanced even further. The technology, exclusive to the iPhone 16, can now analyze what is displayed on a user’s screen.
This feature allows individuals to interact with their content across various apps through visual prompts. Users can pose questions about on-screen content via Apple Intelligence by taking a screenshot. Upon capturing an image, users will have the option to save, share, or further explore the information through Visual Intelligence.
4. AI-Powered Features for Apple Watch
The Apple Watch receives its own innovative AI functionality known as Workout Buddy. This feature leverages user workout data and fitness history to provide personalized motivational insights during exercise sessions.
Apple describes this as a groundbreaking workout experience that delivers real-time inspiration to help maintain user motivation. Insights derived from workout data are communicated through an enhanced text-to-speech model, utilizing voice data from Fitness+ trainers to ensure the energetic tone suits a workout atmosphere. Initially, Workout Buddy will be available in English and will support various training modalities, including outdoor and indoor runs, walks, cycling, HIIT, and strength training.
5. Third-Party App Integration with Apple Intelligence
In what represents a significant shift in app development, Apple announced that app creators can now utilize Apple’s Foundation Models. This means developers will be able to integrate Apple Intelligence into their applications, enabling the creation of intelligent experiences that function offline while preserving user privacy.
For instance, a potential educational application could generate quizzes based on user notes at no additional API cost. This framework has the potential to enhance user experiences significantly, allowing interaction with third-party applications in more intuitive ways.
6. Advanced AI Capabilities for Shortcuts
Apple also introduced upgrades for the Shortcuts app, making it more intelligent and versatile. Users will be able to access a new array of intelligent actions powered by Apple Intelligence.
By tapping into capabilities like ChatGPT, this enhancement is expected to empower users to create more effective Shortcuts. The true potential of this feature lies in how users choose to leverage these new abilities for daily tasks.
7. Additional Features Announced
Beyond the six major upgrades, Apple revealed further enhancements driven by Apple Intelligence. The technology will now identify and organize related actions from various sources, including emails, websites, and notes, and subsequently categorize them in the Reminders app.
Additionally, the Apple Wallet will now summarize order tracking information from merchant or delivery service emails, displaying all order details and progress updates in one convenient place. The Messages app is also set to gain an AI-driven poll feature, enabling the detection of when polls may be useful. Furthermore, new AI-generated backgrounds for conversations will be created using the Image Playground.
Conclusion
Apple’s latest advancements point towards a future where the integration of AI across its devices improves user experience and enhances functionality. Each new feature reflects Apple’s commitment to innovation while prioritizing user privacy and control. As these features roll out later this year, users can look forward to a more intuitive and feature-rich interaction with their Apple devices.
