iOS 26 Features Reserved for iPhone 15 Pro and Newer Models
Apple’s iOS 26 update introduces a major redesign with Liquid Glass UI, available to all compatible iPhones. But several groundbreaking features are exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 models, thanks to their advanced Apple Silicon chips that support on-device Apple Intelligence.

Here are the key iOS 26 features only available on Apple’s latest Pro models:
Visual Intelligence with Screenshots
Take a screenshot, and Apple Intelligence can analyze it, offering links, shopping info, calendar events, and more context automatically.
Live Translation Across Apps
Real-time translation is now built into Messages, FaceTime, and Phone apps. It can display live captions, translate typed text, and even speak translations aloud during calls.
AI-Powered Shortcuts
New actions in the Shortcuts app let users generate images, summarize text, or fetch AI responses directly within custom workflows.
Smart Reminders & Task Organization
Reminders can now suggest tasks and groceries based on Messages or email content. Lists also auto-organize into helpful sections using on-device AI.
Order Tracking in Apple Wallet
Apple Intelligence can detect order tracking details from your inbox—no need for merchants to opt in or provide tracking links separately.
Genmoji & Image Playground Upgrades
Create custom emoji combos, style AI-generated images with themes like anime or watercolor, and use enhanced character customization tools—all powered by Apple Intelligence.
AI in Messages: Backgrounds & Polls
iOS 26 adds smart poll suggestions and lets you create custom chat backgrounds using Image Playground integration, beyond the basic options available to everyone.
Not All AI Features Are Apple Intelligence
Spatial Scenes, which animate photos in response to device movement, use the Neural Engine, not Apple Intelligence. This feature works on iPhone 12 and newer, not just the latest models.
Final Thoughts
While iOS 26 offers plenty for all users, Apple Intelligence features are reserved for iPhone 15 Pro and newer—a sign that Apple is setting the stage for even deeper AI integration in future hardware.