Apple’s iOS 26 update brings a major redesign called Liquid Glass across all compatible devices. However, several advanced features are restricted to iPhone 15 Pro and newer models due to their reliance on Apple Intelligence and the latest A-series chips.
These features leverage on-device large language models and machine learning, available only on the newest hardware. Key iPhone 15 Pro and newer-exclusive features include:
- Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone: Real-time message translation, live captions during FaceTime, and spoken translations in phone calls.
- AI-Enhanced Shortcuts Actions: New Shortcuts app actions that generate images, summarize text, and provide AI responses within automated workflows.
- Smarter Reminders: AI suggests tasks and grocery items from Messages and emails, organizing lists automatically.
- Messages Enhancements: AI-driven poll suggestions and personalized background creation using Image Playground.
- Apple Wallet Order Tracking: AI extracts order tracking info from emails without requiring merchant integration.
- Genmoji and Image Playground Updates: Users can mix emojis, customize characters, and apply styles like anime or watercolor powered by ChatGPT.
- Visual Intelligence for Screenshots: AI can analyze screenshots for shopping, events, and other details.
While iPhone 14 Pro and earlier models can access the visual Liquid Glass design and other iOS 26 features, these AI-based capabilities remain exclusive to Apple’s latest iPhones.
The new Spatial Scenes effect, which animates photos as the device moves, uses the Neural Engine but not Apple Intelligence, making it available to iPhone 12 and newer devices.