iOS 26 Features Requiring iPhone 15 Pro or Newer: AI-Powered Upgrades You Can’t Miss

iOS 26 Unveiled at WWDC 2025: Focus on AI Features for Newer iPhones

At WWDC 2025, Apple officially announced iOS 26, introducing its redesigned Liquid Glass interface and a suite of AI-driven enhancements. While all compatible devices gain access to the sleek new design, advanced features powered by Apple Intelligence are restricted to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, and the upcoming iPhone 17. Below, we break down the 8 exclusive iOS 26 features requiring these newer models.

Why Apple Intelligence Is Limited to Newer iPhones

Apple’s AI advancements, dubbed Apple Intelligence, demand cutting-edge hardware for optimal performance. Features like real-time translation, context-aware analysis, and generative AI tools rely on the A17 Bionic chip (iPhone 15 Pro) and newer processors. Older models, including the iPhone 13 and 14 Pro, lack the necessary neural engine to support these capabilities.

iOS 26 Features Exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro, 16 Series, and iPhone 17

1. AI-Powered Live Translation Across Apps

iOS 26’s Live Translation feature seamlessly translates conversations in real time across Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls. For example:

Messages translate as you type, sending texts in the recipient’s preferred language.
FaceTime adds live captions for translated dialogue.
Phone calls provide spoken translations during conversations.

Hardware Requirement: iPhone 15 Pro, 16 series, or iPhone 17.

2. Visual Intelligence for Screenshots

Apple’s Visual Intelligence now extends beyond the camera to analyze screenshots. Users can:

Tap an item in a screenshot (e.g., a product or event poster) to shop online or add reminders.
Extract text, objects, or details from images for actionable insights.

Hardware Requirement: iPhone 15 Pro or newer (via Action Button or Camera Control).

3. AI-Driven Shortcuts App Enhancements

The Shortcuts app gains powerful AI tools, allowing users to

Generate images from text prompts.
Summarize lengthy documents or emails.
Create AI-written responses for messages or notes.

Hardware Requirement: iPhone 15 Pro and above.

4. Smarter Reminders with Contextual AI

iOS 26’s Reminders app now auto-generates tasks by analyzing emails, messages, and calendar events. It organizes lists into sections (e.g., “Shopping” or “Work”) without manual input.

Hardware Requirement: iPhone 15 Pro, 16 series, or iPhone 17.

5. Genmoji 2.0: Advanced Emoji Creation

Apple’s Genmoji tool now lets users

Blend two emojis into a custom hybrid.
Customize details like hairstyles, clothing, or accessories.
Integrate ChatGPT for creative prompts and effects (e.g., anime, watercolor, or vector art).

Hardware Requirement: iPhone 15 Pro and newer.

6. AI-Powered Poll Suggestions in Messages

While basic polls and backgrounds in Messages work on all iOS 26 devices, newer iPhones get smart suggestions. For instance:

AI recommends poll options based on conversation context.
Generates custom backgrounds tailored to group chats.

Hardware Requirement: iPhone 15 Pro, 16 series, or iPhone 17.

7. Image Playground: AI Art Styles

The Image Playground app now supports artistic filters like oil painting, anime, and 3D rendering. Users can create visuals using AI-generated prompts.

Hardware Requirement: iPhone 15 Pro and above.

8. Context-Aware Wallet Enhancements

iOS 26’s Wallet app uses AI to:

Automatically extract order details from emails.
Track shipments without merchant support.

Hardware Requirement: iPhone 15 Pro, 16 series, or iPhone 17.

Final Thoughts: Upgrade to Access iOS 26’s Best Features

Apple’s iOS 26 emphasizes a clear divide between older and newer iPhones. While the Liquid Glass interface is universal, AI-driven features like Live Translation, Visual Intelligence, and Genmoji 2.0 demand the computational power of the iPhone 15 Pro or newer. For users seeking these innovations, upgrading is the only path forward.