Apple’s Top AI Updates from WWDC 2025
WWDC 2025 Focuses on Subtler AI Enhancements
While Apple‘s 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference shifted emphasis from last year’s flashy AI announcements, the tech giant still unveiled several practical artificial intelligence upgrades. Alongside its new Liquid Glass design language, Apple introduced smarter image analysis, workout coaching, and real-time translation features powered by its evolving Apple Intelligence platform.
Visual Intelligence Gets Screen-Smart
The Visual Intelligence tool now extends beyond object recognition to analyze on-screen content. Users browsing social media can activate this AI feature through the Control Center or Action button to:
- Perform contextual image searches using Google Search and ChatGPT
- Identify products, landmarks, and other visual elements
- Access relevant information without leaving their current app
This iOS 26 feature demonstrates Apple’s approach to context-aware AI integration across its ecosystem.
Creative AI Upgrades
Image Playground Gets Artistic
Apple’s AI image generator gains expanded capabilities through ChatGPT integration, offering new artistic styles including:
- Anime
- Oil painting
- Watercolor effects
Users can now send prompts directly to ChatGPT for additional image variations, expanding creative possibilities beyond Apple’s native models.
Smarter Shortcuts and Spotlight
Core productivity tools receive AI enhancements:
- The Shortcuts app now supports AI model selection for features like automatic summarization
- Spotlight search on Mac gains improved contextual awareness, suggesting relevant actions based on user behavior
Communication and Fitness AI Features
Real-Time Translation Across Platforms
Apple Intelligence powers new multilingual capabilities:
- Live translation in Messages, FaceTime, and phone calls
- Automatic captioning for video calls
- Spoken translations during voice calls
AI Workout Coach
The Fitness app introduces a virtual trainer that:
- Provides motivational speeches during workouts
- Tracks performance metrics like pace and heart rate
- Delivers personalized post-workout summaries
Practical Call Management AI
iOS 26 introduces two phone call innovations:
- Call Screening: Automatically answers unknown numbers to identify callers before pickup
- Hold Assist: Detects hold music and alerts users when agents become available
Developer Opportunities and Siri Delays
Apple launched its Foundation Models framework, enabling developers to:
- Access Apple’s AI models offline
- Build advanced AI features within third-party apps
However, the conference disappointed some attendees with no significant Siri updates. Apple executives confirmed next-generation voice assistant features won’t arrive until 2026, leaving questions about its competitive position in the AI assistant space.