At last year’s WWDC keynote, Apple showcased its bold ambitions in artificial intelligence. This year, the company shifted focus, placing less emphasis on Apple Intelligence and instead unveiling updates to its operating systems, services, and software. Among the changes were a new design style dubbed “Liquid Glass” and a revised naming convention.
Even so, Apple still rolled out several AI-related features, including an image analysis tool, a workout coach, and a live translation function.
Visual Intelligence
Visual Intelligence is Apple’s AI-driven image analysis technology that can identify and provide details about objects and places — from naming a plant to describing a restaurant or recognizing clothing. The latest update allows the tool to interact with content displayed on an iPhone screen. For example, when viewing a post on social media, users can initiate an image search based on what they see. Searches are powered by Google Search, ChatGPT, and other similar applications. The feature can be accessed via the Control Center or by customizing the Action button, and it will be available with iOS 26 later this year.
Workout Buddy
Workout Buddy is Apple’s new AI-powered fitness coach. Using text-to-speech technology, it delivers real-time encouragement during exercise sessions, offering commentary on milestones such as fastest mile time and average heart rate.
Live Translation
Apple Intelligence is also behind a new live translation capability for Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls. The tool translates text and spoken words into the user’s preferred language in real time.
