Testing the iOS 26 Public Beta: My Take on the Apple Intelligence Enhancements
In a recent development, Apple has unveiled iOS 26, a significant software update for iPhones. This new version introduces a range of exciting features, with a focus on interface updates and AI capabilities.
One of the most notable additions is Liquid Glass, a new interface design that promises to enhance the user experience. Beyond aesthetics, iOS 26 also introduces improved inter-device continuity, upgraded call features, a revamped Photos app, and smarter Mail and Messages apps.
When it comes to AI, iOS 26 marks a step forward with the integration of new capabilities. The Shortcuts app, for instance, can now natively use Apple Intelligence on-device and offline to perform tasks such as quickly summarising Apple Notes or transcribing audio. However, the much-anticipated smarter, more context-aware Siri is not yet available in the current iOS 26 public beta and is expected to launch only in 2026.
In the meantime, iOS 26 offers a variety of AI features in its public beta. Real-time translations are available in the Phone, Messages, and FaceTime apps. To use translations effectively, it is necessary to preinstall the language in question on the phone. Translations work by translating speech in real-time and providing a transcript of the call on the iPhone screen.
The AI capabilities of iOS 26 also extend to Visual Intelligence. This tool can now look up information about images, translate text, and create calendar events from dates and times on posters. Additionally, Visual Intelligence can now process screenshots, further expanding its capabilities.
Other AI features in iOS 26 include the ability for Shortcuts to access on-device Apple Intelligence for workflows as well as ChatGPT. With this, users can develop more sophisticated workflows. The Image Playground in iOS 26 can use ChatGPT to create images, although performance has been slow in limited use.
In terms of entertainment, Genmoji in iOS 26 can combine existing emoji into a Genmoji, and users can now create Genmoji with expressions and modify hairstyles.
Lastly, the Wallet app in iOS 26 will be able to track orders via Apple Intelligence, pulling information from emails sent by retailers and delivery companies. Reminders in iOS 26 can also pull details from websites, notes, and emails and turn those into reminders and to-do items.
While iOS 26 offers a wealth of new features, the full software update, including a smarter, more context-aware Siri, is not available yet and will not be until 2026. The public beta is currently available for iPhone 11 and newer models (excluding iPhone Xs, Xs Max, and XR), and the final official release is expected this fall.
[1] TechCrunch. (2022). Apple announces iOS 16 with major updates to Messages, Wallet, and more. [online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/06/apple-announces-ios-16-with-major-updates-to-messages-wallet-and-more/ [2] The Verge. (2022). Apple announces iOS 16, with new features for Messages, Photos, and more. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/6/23157979/apple-ios-16-announcement-features-iphone-ipad-wccftech [3] MacRumors. (2022). iOS 16: Everything Apple Announced at WWDC 2022. [online] Available at: https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-16/ [4] Wired. (2022). Apple’s iOS 16 Update Is All About Communication, Not Privacy. [online] Available at: https://www.wired.com/story/apples-ios-16-update-is-all-about-communication-not-privacy/
- The integration of Apple Intelligence in the Shortcuts app in iOS 26 allows for more efficient task performance, such as summarising Apple Notes or transcribing audio, showcasing the technology's advancement in AI capabilities.
- With its AI-powered Visual Intelligence, iOS 26 can process screenshots, transforming images, and transcribing text, demonstrating the potential of technology to revolutionize user experiences in various aspects.
