# Apple Intelligence Updates: Major Features Revealed
While today is not the day Apple will unveil a redesigned, LLM-powered Siri, the latest updates introduce several exciting enhancements to the Apple Intelligence suite. Here are some notable points.
During WWDC25, Apple aimed to showcase the Apple Intelligence features it had previously launched, addressing its position behind competitors in AI. Subsequently, it introduced fresh Apple Intelligence features, highlighting only those it was confident could be delivered during the initial beta rollout or shortly thereafter.
Here are some of the most impressive Apple Intelligence functionalities you can start utilizing immediately by updating your Apple Intelligence-compatible devices today.
## Foundation Models Framework
This represents the most significant modification in today’s updates. Now, applications can connect directly with Apple’s on-device model, enabling them to provide AI features without depending on external APIs or the internet.
For users, this translates to more private AI functionalities, as prompts remain on the device. For developers, it offers a quicker and more efficient experience, taking advantage of the same on-device capabilities Apple employs for its own AI solutions. Currently, developers do not have access to Apple’s cloud-based model; this is restricted to on-device use only. Nevertheless, the capacity for any developer to implement AI features at no additional cost should inspire fascinating features and applications.
## Shortcuts and Automations
Shortcuts and automation are central to today’s updates, especially on macOS Tahoe 26.
You can now incorporate Apple Intelligence into your shortcuts, which allows you to include Writing Tools, Image Playground, and even Apple’s own models or ChatGPT as components in your workflow to boost productivity. If automation is new to you, it might feel daunting, but using AI-driven automation could revolutionize your workflow.
## Live Translation
The standout feature is Live Translation with AirPods, which automatically interprets spoken language during conversations. However, Live Translation is also available across Messages, Phone, and FaceTime.
In Messages, this feature automatically translates both incoming and outgoing text messages, while during a FaceTime call, it displays live translated captions. For phone calls, you will hear spoken translations, akin to the Live Translation feature with AirPods.
### Compatibility Details
– **Live Translation with AirPods**: Compatible with AirPods 4 featuring Active Noise Cancellation or AirPods Pro 2 and later, supporting English (U.S., UK), French (France), German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain).
– **Live Translation in Messages**: Accessible in Chinese (Simplified), English (UK, U.S.), French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain) on supported devices.
– **Live Translation in Phone and FaceTime**: Available for one-on-one calls in English (UK, U.S.), French (France), German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain).
Moreover, Apple Intelligence now offers voicemail summaries that appear alongside missed calls.
## Visual Intelligence
Apple has broadened its visual search capabilities beyond the camera, now extending to content shown on the screen.
When capturing a screenshot, iOS identifies the content, enabling you to highlight specific areas, search for similar images, or even pose questions to ChatGPT regarding what is shown in the screenshot. Visual Intelligence also extracts date, time, and location data from screenshots, proactively suggesting actions like adding events to the calendar, assuming the image is in English.
## Genmoji and Image Playground
You can now merge two distinct emojis (and optionally, a text description) to create a new Genmoji. Personal attributes like hairstyle and facial hair for Genmoji can also be adjusted based on individuals from your Photos library.
In Image Playground, the most noteworthy update is the integration of OpenAI’s image generator, allowing users to choose from predefined styles or enter a text prompt to create images. You can also utilize Image Playground to craft Messages Backgrounds and Genmoji without needing to exit the app.
## Conclusion
Apple is evidently encountering hurdles in improving Siri and its AI capabilities. However, the recent enhancements to its Apple Intelligence offerings are well-considered and executed, likely enhancing user productivity. The new features are definitely worth exploring, even for those who may have overlooked them in the past.
For more comprehensive coverage of today’s Apple OS releases, visit 9to5Mac.
