Smartphone brands are constantly taking inspiration from one another. Android manufacturers are often inspired by the iPhone’s design elements, but Apple is usually a couple of years behind in terms of software features. The latest WWDC 2025 event had it showcased its new suite of software for its ecosystem, including the new iOS 26. Apple is finally bringing a bunch of long awaited Android features to the iPhones, so here’s what’s coming.
1. Visual Intelligence: AKA Circle to Search
If you’ve used Google Lens or the popular Circle to Search feature on Android, you’ll instantly recognize this one. iOS 26 introduces a new Visual Intelligence, and as the name suggests, it is an on-screen search function. It allows users to take a screenshot and search for anything visible in any app. This includes text, objects, places, or even unknown products.
While Apple was pushing its Apple Intelligence with the iPhone 16 lineup, the new Visual Intelligence is powered by ChatGPT. So newer iPhones like the iPhone 15 Pro models and the entire iPhone 16 lineup can also perform more complex tasks and answer questions using AI.
2. Call Screening Finally Comes to iPhones Along With Spam Detection
Pixel users have long enjoyed the ability to let Google Assistant screen unknown calls and provide a transcript before they pick up. With iOS 26, Apple introduces its own version. So now, iOS 26 can answer the call automatically when an unknown number starts ringing you. Furthermore, it will even ask the reason for the call and display the response on the lock screen.
While Android has had spam filtering for messages for quite a while, iOS 26 now routes suspected spam texts to a dedicated Unknown Senders folder. By default, iOS 26 silences all unknown messages, so they won’t pop up as notifications unless previously approved by the user. It’s a small quality-of-life feature, but one that brings iPhones more in line with the smarter, less noisy inboxes Android users already enjoy.
3. Live Translation Across the OS
Android users have had real-time translation in various apps for years, especially via Google Translate. Now, iPhones get the same perk. With iOS 26, Apple expands its Live Translation feature to Messages, FaceTime, and even the Phone app, making it easier to communicate across languages without needing a third-party app.
4. Conclusion
Apple may not have taken the lead in terms of innovation, but iOS 26 is proof that the Cupertino based giant is still trying to keep pace. By finally adding features Android users have taken for granted, iPhone users now get a more intelligent, user-friendly experience. Better late than never right?
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